In a big breakthrough, the Punjab Police on Tuesday apprehended Gagandeep Singh from Tarn Taran for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was accused by authorities of passing on vital information on Indian Army movements in the course of the current Operation Sindoor.
The accused was revealed to be a Mohalla Rodupur, Gali Nazar Singh Wali resident in Tarn Taran. He is said to have leaked sensitive military information to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the police moved quickly based on intelligence relayed by the Counter-Intelligence Wing.
“Taking immediate action upon receipt of inputs from Counter-Intelligence-Punjab, @TarnTaranPolice, during a joint operation arrests Gagandeep Singh @ Gagan. passing sensitive inputs regarding army movements during #OperationSindhoor,” stated DGP Yadav.
Establishing contact with ISI operatives
As per the DGP, Gagandeep Singh had regular contact with Pakistan-based pro-Khalistan figure Gopal Singh Chawla for the last five years. Chawla supposedly introduced Singh to PIOs, who used Singh to collect strategic military intelligence from Indian soil.
A cellular phone, which the accused had used to exchange intelligence with the ISI, was seized by the police. Contact information of more than 20 ISI-affiliated operatives was also on the phone, and this further raised suspicions about the presence of a large spy ring.
Money trail and Official Secrets Act action
First-hand investigation has confirmed that Gagandeep Singh was being paid by ISI handlers using Indian financial networks. Forces have initiated detailed financial and technical investigations to identify the extent of this espionage network.
“Detailed financial and technical investigations are ongoing to identify other connections and determine the complete extent of this espionage network,” said DGP Yadav.
An FIR under the Official Secrets Act has been lodged at the City Police Station, Tarn Taran. The further interrogation and investigation are also on to track more members of this spy ring.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of cross-border espionage attempts that remain a threat to India’s national security apparatus. Punjab Police’s speedy action could have averted greater penetration and sabotage during delicate military operations.
