May 22 : 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : A major espionage-related case has emerged from Punjab after police arrested a Pathankot resident accused of allegedly transmitting live footage of Indian Army and paramilitary movements to handlers based in Pakistan.
The accused, identified as Baljit Singh alias Bittu, is a resident of Chakk Dhariwal village in Pathankot district. According to investigators, he allegedly installed internet-based CCTV cameras along the strategically important Pathankot-Jammu highway and shared the live surveillance feed with Pakistan-linked operatives.
Who Is Baljit Singh?
Baljit Singh is reportedly a local resident from Pathankot district who came under police surveillance following intelligence inputs regarding suspicious activity near National Highway-44, a sensitive route frequently used by Indian Army and paramilitary convoys traveling toward Jammu and Kashmir.
Police officials allege that Baljit Singh installed a CCTV camera at a shop located near a bridge between Sujanpur and the Pathankot-Jammu highway stretch to monitor troop movement and security deployment activity. Investigators believe the live feed was electronically transmitted to Pakistan-based handlers.
According to preliminary investigation details, the camera had reportedly been operational since January this year.
How The Alleged Spy Network Worked
Investigators claim Baljit Singh used internet-enabled surveillance equipment capable of remotely transmitting live footage. Police recovered a CCTV camera and WiFi router during the operation.
Authorities allege the surveillance system was specifically positioned to observe the movement of Army and paramilitary vehicles along NH-44, one of the most strategically important military transit routes in northern India.
Officials said Baljit Singh allegedly confessed during questioning that he had installed the internet-based camera system after receiving instructions from unidentified handlers. Police also claimed he had been receiving guidance from an unknown individual based in Dubai.
Investigators further alleged that he was paid around Rs 40,000 for the operation.
Other Accused Named In The Case
Punjab Police have reportedly registered a case against four individuals in connection with the alleged espionage network. Apart from Baljit Singh, the FIR includes Vikramjit Singh alias Vikka, Balwinder Singh alias Vicky, and Taranpreet Singh alias Tannu.
Police suspect the group may have been involved in broader anti-national or espionage-linked activities. Investigations are currently underway to determine whether additional people or foreign handlers were connected to the operation.
Security Concerns In Pathankot
The case has triggered serious security concerns because Pathankot remains one of India’s most sensitive border districts due to its proximity to Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan border.
The Pathankot-Jammu highway is routinely used for transportation of military personnel, equipment, and logistics. Security agencies therefore treat surveillance activity around the corridor as highly sensitive.
Officials said the case reflects increasing use of modern surveillance technology by suspected espionage networks attempting to gather information regarding military movement and strategic infrastructure.
Link To Earlier Spy Modules
Investigators are also examining whether the current case is linked to previously uncovered Pakistan-backed espionage modules in Punjab. Reports indicate that last month Punjab Police had busted two alleged ISI-linked spy networks that were using high-tech solar-powered CCTV systems to monitor sensitive military locations.
Security experts say such operations highlight evolving espionage tactics involving digital surveillance, remote internet-enabled devices, and encrypted communication methods.
Police Statement
Senior police officials described the arrest as a major breakthrough linked to national security concerns.
In an official statement shared online, Pathankot Police said the accused had installed a CCTV camera whose live feed was allegedly being shared with “anti-national elements.”
Authorities have intensified investigation into the financial trail, digital communications, and possible foreign connections linked to the accused.
Ongoing Investigation
Police and intelligence agencies are currently examining mobile devices, electronic data, financial transactions, and communication records recovered during the investigation.
Officials are also investigating whether the accused had direct links with Pakistan’s intelligence networks or intermediaries operating from third countries.
Security agencies have increased surveillance in border areas following the arrest, especially around military transit routes and strategic infrastructure.
The case has once again highlighted the growing challenge posed by technologically sophisticated espionage methods and the increasing use of digital surveillance equipment in suspected cross-border intelligence operations.