Delhi Police on Friday busted a spy network linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, arresting 11 individuals from Delhi and Punjab. The Special Cell, which carried out the operation, said the network also had connections with the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Solar cameras used for surveillance
As per multiple reports, police investigations revealed that the accused had installed solar-powered CCTV cameras near sensitive defence and security establishments across multiple states, including Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. These cameras were transmitting live footage directly to handlers based in Pakistan through mobile applications.
Officials said the accused remained in constant touch with their handlers via encrypted messaging platforms, receiving instructions related to espionage and subversive activities that posed a threat to national security.
Weapons and equipment seized
In the first phase of the operation, six accused were arrested. Police recovered nine solar-powered CCTV cameras from locations close to key installations. Alongside, four pistols were seized, including three foreign-made PX5 weapons and one country-made firearm, along with 24 live cartridges.
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The findings indicated a well-organised setup aimed at continuous monitoring of strategic sites.
Funding trail and how the network operated
The network reportedly got its finances partially from UPI and also earned money by smuggling arms illegally. The network is said to have used the money earned for conducting reconnaissance and establishing communication links with handlers on the other side of the border.
Second Operation in Punjab
Acting on inputs from military intelligence,a second mission was carried out by the Special Cell in Punjab, resulting in the apprehension of five more people. These accused were involved in surveying sensitive Army and paramilitary installations and sharing photographs and videos with Pakistan-based handlers.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav described the operation as a "major breakthrough," highlighting the scale and seriousness of the threat.
"In a major breakthrough, District Amritsar Rural, District Gurdaspur, SSOC-Amritsar, in a joint operation with Central Agencies, busts an ISI-sponsored BKI terror module operated by a foreign-based handler and arrests two accused," India Today quoted Yadav as saying.
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As per a report by India Today, the probe has also revealed that the module was actively involved in radicalising and recruiting youths for espionage, terror activities and arms trafficking. Police said the group was working to expand its network across states.
Investigators believe the module was planning potential terror strikes, including grenade attacks on security establishments. These plans have now been foiled.
Further investigation is underway to identify other operatives and map the full extent of the network. The officials also pointed out that there was another spying module that had been unearthed in Ghaziabad recently.
