Jaipur: In a significant counterintelligence operation, Rajasthan’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a Punjab resident for allegedly spying for Pakistan, collecting sensitive information related to the Indian Army, and facilitating digital communication channels for his handlers in Pakistan. The arrest highlights ongoing vigilance by Indian security agencies against espionage attempts in sensitive border regions and strategic locations.

The accused has been identified as Prakash Singh, also known as Badal, a 34-year-old resident of Ferozepur, Punjab. He was detained near a military establishment in Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and formally arrested under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, according to statements provided by law enforcement officials and reported by news agency PTI. Authorities allege that Singh was actively collecting classified information regarding Indian Army deployments, border infrastructure, and other strategic details and transmitting them to handlers based in Pakistan, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Surveillance and Arrest

According to Inspector General of Intelligence, Prafful Kumar, the CID had been closely monitoring suspected espionage activity linked to Pakistani intelligence agencies in border areas. During this surveillance, Singh came under the radar of the agency. Officials said that he had been under observation for several months before his apprehension on November 27, near the Sadulwali military station in Ganganagar district, a sensitive location near the Rajasthan-Punjab border.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Singh had been in regular contact with Pakistan-based operatives through social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, where he allegedly shared sensitive information pertaining to military assets and installations. Officials explained that the accused had been communicating with Pakistani handlers since May of this year, meticulously gathering data about Army vehicles, military installations, border-area geography, railway lines, bridges, and ongoing construction projects. Such information, if leaked, could pose serious national security risks.

Digital Espionage: WhatsApp Accounts and OTPs

One of the most concerning aspects of the case is Singh’s alleged involvement in digital facilitation for foreign operatives. Law enforcement officials stated that Singh had helped Pakistani handlers establish Indian WhatsApp accounts to maintain clandestine communication channels. The process involved receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) sent to Indian mobile numbers and providing them to Pakistan-based operatives to activate accounts. These accounts were reportedly intended for espionage, coordination of anti-national activities, and possibly the gathering of intelligence in sensitive areas.

Authorities added that Singh had received monetary compensation for providing such assistance, indicating a sustained operation rather than a sporadic or incidental involvement. This method of using local digital infrastructure to facilitate cross-border espionage highlights the increasingly sophisticated techniques employed by foreign intelligence agencies targeting India.

Confirmation of Allegations

Following his arrest, Singh was brought to a central interrogation centre in Jaipur, where extensive questioning and technical analysis of his electronic devices were carried out. Officials confirmed that the accused’s devices contained incriminating data, including chat histories, photographs of military sites, and records of conversations with foreign handlers. According to law enforcement sources, these analyses corroborated suspicions regarding Singh’s involvement in espionage, strengthening the case against him under provisions of the Official Secrets Act.

The CID has stated that further investigations are ongoing, particularly regarding Singh’s network and possible accomplices, both within India and abroad. Authorities are also examining the flow of funds, communications, and whether any additional sensitive information was transferred to Pakistan through the WhatsApp accounts Singh helped establish.

Broader Context of Espionage Activities

The arrest of Singh comes amid heightened concerns over cross-border intelligence operations targeting India’s military infrastructure and border regions. Last week, police in Haryana’s Nuh district arrested a lawyer who was reportedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan’s ISI. The arrest was made based on intelligence inputs provided by a central investigative agency, with the lawyer allegedly sharing information related to court proceedings and legal networks in Gurugram. Together, these incidents underscore a pattern of foreign intelligence agencies attempting to exploit both civilians and professionals for espionage purposes in India.

Security analysts have noted that espionage in India increasingly combines traditional human intelligence (HUMINT) with modern digital surveillance and social media tools. The creation of WhatsApp accounts using local mobile numbers, as in Singh’s case, represents an evolution of such tactics, enabling foreign intelligence agencies to maintain covert communication while evading detection. Analysts emphasize the importance of proactive monitoring by agencies such as the CID, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and other central investigative units to prevent the leakage of sensitive military and strategic information.

Official Response and Legal Proceedings

The arrest under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, allows authorities to detain individuals suspected of obtaining or disseminating classified information with the intent to harm India’s sovereignty or security. Singh’s case is expected to undergo detailed judicial scrutiny, with law enforcement officials seeking to examine the full extent of his network, the volume of sensitive information transmitted, and any potential breaches of national security protocols.

Authorities have stressed the importance of vigilance in border areas and military installations, noting that individuals involved in espionage often exploit routine movements, civilian proximity to military establishments, and digital platforms to gain and transmit intelligence. The Ganganagar arrest also highlights the effectiveness of integrated intelligence operations, which combine human surveillance, technical monitoring, and rapid law enforcement action to intercept threats before they can cause significant damage.

Implications for National Security

Experts have warned that espionage cases like Singh’s can have far-reaching implications. The transmission of sensitive information about Army logistics, border infrastructure, and operational details could compromise military preparedness and strategic planning. In addition, the facilitation of WhatsApp accounts and digital channels for foreign handlers demonstrates that espionage today often transcends physical borders, leveraging technology for rapid, covert communication.

The case also raises questions about the vetting and monitoring of individuals living near sensitive military installations, and the need for awareness campaigns to prevent inadvertent involvement in espionage. Security agencies have reiterated that the combined use of human intelligence and digital forensics is critical in uncovering and preventing such operations.

Ongoing Investigation

The Rajasthan CID has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Officials are analyzing Singh’s contacts, financial transactions, and electronic records to determine whether he acted alone or as part of a larger network. The case may also prompt inter-agency cooperation with central intelligence and counterterrorism units to map connections to foreign intelligence agencies and assess broader national security threats.

As part of standard procedure, Singh will be produced before a competent court, where charges under the Official Secrets Act are expected to be formally framed. Given the sensitivity of the information involved and Singh’s alleged links to a foreign intelligence agency, the case is likely to attract attention from both security experts and policymakers, reinforcing the importance of robust counter-espionage mechanisms in India.

Conclusion

The arrest of Prakash Singh alias Badal in Rajasthan represents a significant counter-espionage success for Indian security agencies. By monitoring, apprehending, and investigating individuals attempting to pass sensitive military information to foreign handlers, authorities are actively working to safeguard national security. The case also highlights the evolving nature of espionage, where technology, social media, and digital communication channels play a central role in facilitating cross-border intelligence operations.

With continued vigilance, intelligence sharing, and legal enforcement, agencies such as the CID aim to ensure that India’s strategic and military information remains secure from foreign exploitation. Singh’s arrest sends a clear message to potential operatives and handlers that espionage, whether through traditional surveillance or digital channels, will be detected and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.