An alleged surveillance network linked to anti-national elements based in Pakistan and Canada has been uncovered near Bathinda's high-security military zone, prompting a major counter-intelligence investigation and the arrest of two men from Amritsar district.
Bathinda has a major military station and the headquarters of the Indian Army's X Corps. The location where the camera was found is only a few kilometres away from these sensitive installations. The Air Force Station and Bathinda Airport are also situated close to the site.
Police said the unauthorised solar-powered CCTV camera had been installed on an electricity pole near a cement factory along the Bathinda-Sriganganagar Road. Fitted with a SIM card, the device had reportedly been operational for nearly three months. Investigators believe it was transmitting footage during this period, raising concerns about possible security lapses.
Bathinda SP (City) Narinder Singh said the investigation revealed that footage showing the movement of police and security personnel was allegedly being sent to anti-national elements based in Pakistan and Canada. He said police teams analysed CCTV footage, technical evidence and human intelligence inputs before identifying and arresting two suspects.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ashok Singh (40), a cook, and Akashdeep Singh (22), who is unemployed. Both belong to Sarai village in Amritsar district.
According to sources, the camera came to light when personnel from Thermal police station were probing a road accident in the area and noticed the suspicious device.
Police registered a case under the Official Secrets Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act at the Thermal police station.
Joint teams of Bathinda Police, CIA staff and Counter Intelligence units have launched a detailed probe to uncover the full extent of the operation.
The SP described it as the first case of its kind reported in Bathinda and termed it a matter of serious concern. He said efforts are underway to trace and arrest other suspects involved in the case, though their identities cannot be disclosed at this stage.
According to the investigation, Ashok allegedly arranged logistical support, technical information and the SIM card used in the device. Akashdeep and another associate are suspected to have installed the camera at the location.
The SP further said the arrested men had visited several other places, and investigators are verifying whether similar cameras were installed elsewhere. He added that previous search operations around military areas had not revealed any suspicious activity.
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