A resident of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which claimed 26 lives.
The suspect, identified as Pathan Khan, hails from Zero RD Mohangarh, a village located in the strategically important and sensitive international border region of Jaisalmer.
According to officials from the Rajasthan Intelligence Department, Khan’s movements had been under surveillance during routine monitoring of the border area. His behaviour reportedly aroused suspicion, prompting a deeper investigation.
Authorities claim that Khan travelled to Pakistan in 2013, during which he allegedly established contact with operatives from the ISI. He is believed to have undergone training in espionage activities and was allegedly lured with promises of money.
After his initial visit, Khan is said to have made repeated trips to Pakistan, continuing to meet Pakistani intelligence officials and reportedly providing them with confidential and sensitive information related to the Jaisalmer border region.
Officials allege that Khan used both physical meetings and digital platforms, including social media, to pass on this information. Additionally, he is accused of supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistani handlers, which were allegedly used for espionage purposes.
The State Special Branch (SSB), which monitors spying activities by foreign intelligence agencies within Rajasthan, played a key role in the investigation. Khan was detained and questioned by various central agencies at the Joint Interrogation Centre in Jaipur.
Following interrogation and confirmation of his activities, a case was registered against him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and he was formally arrested.
Jaisalmer, which shares a border with Pakistan, is considered a critical military zone due to the regular presence and movement of Indian Army troops and frequent military exercises. Any breach of security in this region is treated with utmost seriousness by Indian authorities.
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