CCTV Camera Allegedly Used to Monitor Army Movement
Punjab Police has arrested a resident of Pathankot on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistan-based handlers by installing an internet-linked CCTV camera along National Highway-44 to monitor the movement of Indian Army and paramilitary forces.
According to police officials, the accused has been identified as Baljit Singh alias Bittu, a resident of Chakk Dhariwal village in Pathankot district. Preliminary investigation revealed that the CCTV camera was installed near a bridge on the Pathankot-Jammu stretch of the highway and was allegedly transmitting live footage to handlers linked to Pakistan’s intelligence network.
Police Say Live Feed Was Shared With Pakistan-Based Handlers
Senior police officials stated that the accused allegedly used the surveillance setup to keep track of army and paramilitary vehicle movement in the sensitive border region. Authorities suspect the information was being shared with Pakistan-based operatives, including handlers linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Investigators reportedly recovered the CCTV equipment and digital communication material during the operation. Officials are now examining electronic devices, financial transactions, and communication records to determine the full extent of the alleged espionage network.
Three More Suspects Under Investigation
Punjab Police officials said they are also searching for three additional suspects believed to be connected to the case. According to investigators, one suspect allegedly provided local logistical support, while two others are reportedly operating from abroad and maintaining contact with foreign intelligence-linked individuals.
The investigation agencies are trying to determine whether the accused acted independently or as part of a larger cross-border espionage module.
Security Agencies on High Alert
The arrest has once again highlighted security concerns in border districts such as Pathankot, which houses important military and strategic installations. The region has remained highly sensitive from a security perspective for years due to its proximity to the international border and military infrastructure.
Officials noted that last month also, Punjab Police had reportedly busted two separate ISI-backed espionage modules that allegedly used high-tech solar-powered CCTV systems to transmit live footage of sensitive military areas to handlers in Pakistan.
Investigation Expanding Into Possible Foreign Links
Authorities are now probing whether foreign funding, encrypted communication channels, or links to other illegal activities such as smuggling were involved in the operation. Investigators are also examining the possibility of a wider surveillance network operating across border districts.
Security experts say modern espionage operations increasingly rely on digital surveillance tools, remote monitoring systems, and social media communication, making such networks harder to detect without coordinated intelligence efforts.
Concerns Over Cross-Border Espionage Activities
The latest arrest adds to a growing number of recent espionage-related cases reported in northern India involving alleged Pakistan-linked handlers. Security agencies have repeatedly warned about attempts to gather information related to military movement, sensitive infrastructure, and strategic installations.
Police officials emphasized that investigations are ongoing and additional arrests could follow based on evidence gathered during questioning and technical analysis.
Conclusion
The arrest of the Pathankot resident has triggered renewed concerns about cross-border espionage and misuse of surveillance technology near sensitive military zones. Punjab Police and security agencies continue to investigate the suspected network while intensifying monitoring and intelligence operations in border areas.
