Breaking: 1 Pakistani Spy Caught in Punjab for Leaking Top Army Secrets to ISI During Operation Sindoor
Pakistani Spy Caught in Punjab: Espionage Network Exposed During Operation Sindoor
In a significant breakthrough in India’s counterintelligence operations, the Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested an alleged Pakistani spy, Gagandeep Singh, from Tarn Taran district for transmitting sensitive military information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This development comes in the backdrop of “Operation Sindoor,” a recent Indian military initiative targeting terror hubs across the border.
According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the accused was found to be in contact with Pakistan-based pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla. Investigations indicate that Singh had been relaying information about Indian Army troop movements and strategic deployments, posing a serious threat to national security.
Arrest and Intelligence Recovery
The Punjab Police acted swiftly upon receiving a tip-off from the Counter-Intelligence wing. In a coordinated operation with Tarn Taran Police, Gagandeep Singh, alias Gagan, was apprehended from Mohalla Rodupur, Gali Nazar Singh Wali. Authorities recovered a mobile phone from Singh, which contained classified data and communication records with over 20 ISI operatives.
The mobile phone, now in forensic custody, is reported to include troop movement details, maps of strategic Indian Army installations, and records of encrypted conversations. These findings further substantiate Singh’s deep involvement with foreign intelligence agencies.
Link to Khalistani Elements
One of the most alarming revelations was Singh’s longstanding contact with Gopal Singh Chawla, a known Khalistani extremist currently based in Pakistan. Chawla is infamous for advocating secessionist activities and maintains close ties with Pakistan’s intelligence community.
DGP Gaurav Yadav disclosed that Singh had been communicating with Chawla for more than five years. Through Chawla, Singh was introduced to a wider network of Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). These interactions laid the foundation for the exchange of sensitive Indian defence information.
Operation Sindoor: The Context
This arrest unfolds in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned pre-dawn missile strike conducted by the Indian armed forces on May 7. The operation targeted nine strategic terror hideouts across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including key strongholds of the Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.
The strikes were a direct retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian nationals. Operation Sindoor signaled a shift in India’s military posture by extending precision strikes deep into enemy territory.
Given the timing and scope of Singh’s activities, authorities are probing whether his leaks had any correlation with the targets or timing of Operation Sindoor, potentially jeopardizing the strategic advantage of the Indian military.
Financial Trails and Network Investigation
Initial financial investigations suggest that Singh received payments through Indian intermediaries acting on behalf of Pakistani handlers. Authorities are examining remittance records, digital wallets, and covert financial channels allegedly used to fund the espionage activities.
DGP Yadav confirmed that a thorough financial and technical investigation is underway to trace the full extent of the network. The police aim to identify local accomplices, funding routes, and possible digital communication platforms used for encrypted exchanges with ISI handlers.
Previous Arrests and Expanding Investigation
Singh’s arrest follows the recent apprehension of six individuals, including a woman from Malerkotla, on similar espionage charges. These arrests hint at the existence of a broader espionage ring operating in Punjab and nearby border regions.
The Punjab Police have registered a case under the Official Secrets Act at PS City, Tarn Taran. Multiple agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and Military Intelligence, are now coordinating with state authorities to interrogate Singh and extract further intelligence.
National Security Implications
The arrest underscores the persistent threat posed by espionage networks operating within Indian borders. It also highlights the evolving tactics employed by foreign intelligence agencies to exploit regional tensions, particularly by cultivating assets within civilian populations and leveraging ideological sympathies.
Speaking to the press, DGP Yadav reiterated the Punjab Police’s commitment to national security. “We remain vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. Any attempt to compromise national interests will be dealt with firmly,” he stated.
Public and Political Reactions
The revelation has stirred concern among security analysts and the political leadership. Senior officials have called for tighter scrutiny at border states and increased collaboration between central and state intelligence units.
Some political leaders have urged for a review of recruitment and vetting protocols within sensitive regions, especially where vulnerabilities to ideological propaganda exist.
Strategic Concerns Moving Forward
Analysts argue that the timing of Singh’s espionage, closely aligned with a high-profile military operation like Sindoor, calls for a deeper reassessment of operational secrecy and internal communication safeguards within India’s defence apparatus.
Further, the continued presence and influence of Khalistani elements abroad, notably in Pakistan, remains a critical issue. This incident reaffirms the necessity of international diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror networks and secessionist propaganda cells operating on its soil.
Conclusion
The arrest of Gagandeep Singh is more than just a singular success—it is a vital piece in the larger mosaic of India’s national security strategy. It reinforces the importance of proactive counter-intelligence measures and inter-agency collaboration in neutralizing threats that undermine military operations and national integrity.
As investigations continue, the unfolding revelations from this case may help India not only prosecute a high-level spy but also expose a transnational network designed to destabilize the nation from within. The vigilance demonstrated by the Punjab Police sets a precedent in India’s ongoing fight against espionage and cross-border subversion.
