16 June 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : CCTV camera allegedly being used to monitor the movement of security personnel and military-related activity. Two suspects have been arrested, while investigations are ongoing.
Camera Installed Near Sensitive Defence Area
According to police officials, the CCTV camera was installed on an electricity pole along the Bathinda-Sriganganagar highway near a cement factory. The device reportedly contained a SIM card and had been transmitting live footage for nearly three months before it was detected by police during an unrelated investigation.
The area is located close to one of India’s major military establishments, including the headquarters of the Army’s X Corps (Chetak Corps), making the discovery particularly sensitive from a national security perspective.
Two Arrested, More Suspects Identified
Punjab Police have arrested two residents of Amritsar district—Ashok Singh and Akashdeep Singh—in connection with the case. Authorities say technical evidence, CCTV analysis and intelligence inputs led to their identification. Two additional suspects have reportedly been identified and are still being sought.
Alleged Links To Foreign Handlers
Investigators suspect that footage captured by the camera was being transmitted to individuals based in Pakistan and Canada. Police are examining whether the surveillance operation was linked to anti-national activities and whether similar devices have been installed near other strategic locations.
Official Secrets Act Invoked
A case has been registered under the Official Secrets Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Joint teams of Punjab Police, Counter Intelligence units and local investigators are conducting further inquiries into the network behind the operation.
Wider Security Concerns
The incident follows earlier cases in Punjab where alleged espionage networks were accused of using solar-powered CCTV cameras to monitor security installations and transmit footage to handlers across the border. Authorities are now expanding investigations to determine whether the Bathinda case is part of a larger surveillance network.
Investigation Continues
Police officials have described the matter as serious and said efforts are underway to identify all individuals involved. Security agencies are also reviewing whether additional surveillance equipment may have been installed near other defence-related locations in Punjab and neighbouring states.