In a significant opera- tion that underscores the persistent threat of cross-border espionage, the Punjab Police have ap- prehended two individuals from Amritsar who were allegedly engaged in spying activities on behalf of Paki- stan. The accused, identi- fied as Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, were re- portedly transmitting clas- sified military information, including images of army cantonments and airbases, to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Preliminary investigations by the Punjab Police’s intel- ligence and counterintelli- gence wings have revealed that the accused were in contact with handlers based across the border in Paki- stan. The duo was allegedly operating under the guid- ance of ISI operatives and receiving instructions to gather specific information related to military deploy- ments, strategic locations and movement of troops. According to the information released by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on X, the arrests were the result of a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation. The DGP described the development as a “major breakthrough” in the ongoing efforts to safeguard national security and prevent any compromise of sensitive defence infrastructure. One of the most alarming findings so far is that the accused had managed to capture and share high-resolution images of Indian Army cantonments and airbases in and around Punjab, which were considered off-limits to the general public. These visuals, if misused, could have posed serious threats to national security and defence preparedness. Adding a new dimension to the case, the investigation has uncovered that both suspects were in communication with Harpreet Singh, also known as Pittu or Happy, a radical figure currently in jail for his involvement in multiple antinational activities. Harpreet Singh is believed to have longstanding links with extremist and separatist elements, and his name has previously surfaced in several NIA and Punjab Police investigations. Police officials suspect that Harpreet Singh played a key role in indoctrinating or facilitating the recruitment of Palak and Suraj into the espionage network. The authorities are now exploring the extent of his influence and whether he acted as a coordinator between local operatives and foreign handlers while being lodged in jail. The Punjab Police have registered a case against the arrested individuals under the Official Secrets Act, a stringent law that deals with offences related to spying and unlawful handling of classified government information. Sources indicate that a detailed forensic examination of their mobile devices, communication apps, and bank transactions is currently underway to trace the full scope of their activities and identify any additional collaborators. Security agencies, including Military Intelligence and central intelligence units, have also been roped in to assist with the investigation and ensure that any potential breach of national security is fully contained. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded the Punjab Police for arresting the traitors involved in espionage and setting another benchmark in effective policing. In a statement, the Chief Minister said that this is a major achievement for the Punjab Police, who successfully foiled an anti-national conspiracy that was intended to endanger the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation. He commended the police for their commendable efforts in neutralizing this threat, adding that the operation brings a sense of pride and satisfaction to the state. Bhagwant Mann further stated that as a border state, Punjab remains vigilant to safeguard the country’s frontiers, and the police force has once again proven its mettle. The Chief Minister emphasized that protecting the nation’s borders is not only a constitutional responsibility but a moral duty, which the state is fulfilling with full determination. He reaffirmed that Punjab has always served as the defending arm of the country and will continue to uphold this glorious tradition. Mann concluded by saying that the brave and alert Punjab Police are preserving this rich legacy by thwarting every attempt to compromise national security. Senior officials believe that this arrest may be just the tip of the iceberg. Investigators are probing whether the duo were part of a larger network with links spreading across other states or possibly working under a well-organized spy ring operated from across the border. Their interrogation has already led to some actionable leads, and more arrests are expected in the coming days. DGP Gaurav Yadav in his statement reaffirmed the Punjab Police’s commitment to protecting the nation from both internal and external threats. “Strong action will be taken against those involved in compromising the sovereignty and integrity of India. Our teams are working round-the-clock to dismantle these espionage networks,” he stated.
