The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has dismantled an extensive espionage and terror module backed by Pakistan intelligence services, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals. The operation exposed a sophisticated surveillance network involving solar powered CCTV cameras strategically placed near sensitive military installations across several states. According to officials, the module was tasked with monitoring troop movements and recruiting local youth to sustain long term operations. The crackdown, conducted in two coordinated strikes, also revealed links to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International and a broader conspiracy involving arms trafficking and potential terror strikes.
Covert surveillance network uncovered near military zones
Investigations revealed that the accused had installed at least nine solar powered cameras equipped with SIM cards procured on fake identities. These devices were positioned at high security locations including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, and Moga in Punjab, as well as sites in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Singh Kushwah stated that these locations are considered highly sensitive due to regular troop movements and their proximity to international borders. The CCTV feeds were being transmitted in real time to Pakistan based handlers through mobile applications using encrypted communication platforms.
Strategic arrests and recovery of illegal weapons
The first phase of the operation led by the Northern Range resulted in the arrest of six individuals from Punjab and Delhi. During this raid, police recovered nine CCTV cameras and four pistols, including three foreign made weapons and 24 live cartridges. A second operation by the Southwestern Range, acting on inputs from Military Intelligence, led to the arrest of five more suspects in Punjab. These individuals were reportedly involved in reconnaissance missions and sharing sensitive visuals of Army and Border Security Force installations. One key operative, identified as Manpreet Singh from Tarn Taran, allegedly played a central role in coordinating arms deliveries and distributing foreign made weapons among the module members.
Financial links and recruitment of local youth
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they were lured into the network through monetary incentives generated from cross border smuggling of narcotics and arms. Beyond espionage, the module was actively recruiting local youth to expand its reach. Funds for these activities were being routed through digital payment platforms to finance further operations. Security agencies are currently analyzing digital evidence, including mobile phones and data retrieved from the surveillance systems, to identify additional links and potential sleeper cells. Officials believe the arrests have averted potential attacks on security establishments that were being planned using grenades and other illegal means.
