ISLAMABAD: In a significant breakthrough for national security, theIntelligence Wing of Rajasthan Police has arrested a 28-year-old localyouth from Pokhran in Jaisalmer district on charges of espionage forPakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The accused, identified asJhabararam Meghwal, son of Bhana Ram, resident of Nedan village underSankra police station, allegedly leaked sensitive and strategicallycritical information concerning Indian Army movements and militaryinstallations along the border. This arrest, executed on January 30following sustained surveillance, underscores the ongoing threats ofcross-border spying in Rajasthan’s sensitive frontier regions.
The operation was launched based on credible intelligence inputs indicatingheightened espionage activities by Pakistani agencies in border districts.Rajasthan Police, in close coordination with Military Intelligence andcentral security agencies, conducted a focused probe that revealed thesuspect’s involvement in transmitting classified data to handlers acrossthe border. Authorities stated that Jhabararam had been in regular contactwith ISI operatives through social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp,where he shared details that could compromise India’s defence posture inthe Thar desert area.
Investigators disclosed that the accused operated an e-Mitra service centrein the border region for the past four years, providing him access to localnetworks and potentially official documents related to government schemes.This position allegedly facilitated his collection and dissemination ofinformation. Officials revealed that he was lured into the espionagenetwork through a sophisticated honeytrap involving a Pakistani womanhandler, combined with financial inducements, a common tactic employed byforeign intelligence agencies to recruit local assets.
Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafull Kumaremphasized that the arrest stemmed from continuous monitoring ofanti-national elements across the state. He noted increased attempts byPakistani intelligence to exploit vulnerabilities in border areas, whereproximity to military installations makes information gatheringparticularly valuable. The case was registered under the Official SecretsAct, 1923, reflecting the gravity of the charges involving transmission ofstrategic military intelligence.
Evidence gathered from the suspect’s mobile phone and electronic devicesreportedly provided concrete proof of his anti-national activities,including communications with handlers and transfers of sensitive material.The accused is said to have shared information on Indian Army deployments,installations, and possibly movements in the Pokhran region, known for itshistorical significance in nuclear tests and ongoing military exercises.Forensic analysis of seized items is underway to determine the full extentof the compromised data.
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of espionage along theIndia-Pakistan border, particularly in Rajasthan, where districts likeJaisalmer and Barmer adjoin the international frontier. Security expertspoint out that such networks often rely on local recruits who can blendinto civilian life while accessing restricted areas or information. The useof digital platforms for communication has made detection more complex, yetintelligence-led operations have proven effective in countering thesethreats.
Rajasthan’s border districts have witnessed multiple espionage cases inrecent years, with authorities arresting several individuals linked to ISImodules. The proximity to strategic military sites, including firing rangesand army bases, makes the region a prime target for foreign agenciesseeking real-time intelligence. Coordinated efforts between state police,military intelligence, and central agencies have intensified surveillance,leading to timely interventions that prevent potential escalations.
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The arrest of Jhabararam serves as a reminder of the need for heightenedvigilance among civilians in border areas. Officials urged residents toreport suspicious activities, noting that early detection can disruptlarger networks. The investigation remains ongoing to uncover anyadditional links, co-conspirators, or the precise scope of informationleaked, which could have implications for operational security along thewestern front.
Experts believe such cases reflect broader geopolitical tensions, whereintelligence gathering supports adversarial strategies without directconfrontation. Rajasthan Police’s success in this operation demonstratesthe efficacy of proactive intelligence measures in safeguarding nationalinterests. As interrogation continues in Jaipur, more details are expectedto emerge regarding the honeytrap mechanism and financial transactionsinvolved.
The case has prompted renewed calls for strengthening cybersecurityawareness and monitoring in border communities. Authorities affirmed theircommitment to thwarting all attempts at espionage, ensuring that sensitivedefence-related information remains protected amid evolving threats fromacross the border.
Source:https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/rajasthan-state-intelligence-arrests-isi-agent-in-pokhran20260130213441
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