Punjab Police Arrest Man in Tarn Taran for Espionage, Accused of Sharing Army Movement Details with ISI
In a significant development underscoring concerns over national security, the Punjab Police on Tuesday apprehended a man from Tarn Taran district, identified as Gagandeep Singh, for allegedly transmitting sensitive military information to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The arrest marks a breakthrough in uncovering a larger network suspected of espionage activities with ties to Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, Gagandeep Singh, also known as Gagan, hails from Mohalla Rodupur, Gali Nazar Singh Wali in Tarn Taran.
His arrest was the result of a joint operation carried out swiftly by the Tarn Taran Police and the Counter-Intelligence Wing of the Punjab Police.
The authorities had acted on a credible tip-off, which led them to track and detain the accused, who is now at the center of a serious espionage case.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Gagandeep Singh had been actively engaged in passing on highly classified and confidential information to the ISI.
The information reportedly included specific details about Indian Army troop movements and strategic military deployments conducted under Operation Sindoor, a critical military mission executed by Indian armed forces.
Operation Sindoor was a high-stakes, pre-emptive military action launched by India on May 7. During the operation, Indian forces conducted precision-guided missile strikes at dawn, targeting nine terror-linked sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
These included major strongholds such as Bahawalpur, home to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Muridke, a known base for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The military offensive was a retaliatory measure taken in response to the brutal April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 Indian nationals tragically lost their lives.
Police sources stated that during the investigation, a mobile device was recovered from Gagandeep Singh.
This device is said to contain a trove of incriminating evidence, including intelligence data that was allegedly transmitted to Pakistani handlers.
Investigators have also found records of communication with over 20 individuals linked to the ISI, indicating the possibility of a broader espionage network operating across borders.
What adds to the gravity of the situation is Gagandeep Singh’s prolonged association with Gopal Singh Chawla, a pro-Khalistan leader currently based in Pakistan.
Chawla is a well-known figure with alleged links to anti-India propaganda and separatist activities.
The Punjab DGP revealed that Gagandeep had been in contact with Chawla for over five years.
Through this connection, he was gradually introduced to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), who allegedly recruited him for espionage-related tasks.
Further complicating the case, Gagandeep Singh is also believed to have received financial compensation for his services.
According to the Punjab Police, payments were made to him through channels within India, suggesting that domestic conduits may have facilitated the monetary transactions on behalf of Pakistani handlers. These payments are currently under forensic and financial scrutiny.
The Punjab Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Official Secrets Act at the City Police Station in Tarn Taran.
This act is invoked in cases involving the unauthorized sharing of state secrets and espionage, and carries severe legal penalties upon conviction.
DGP Gaurav Yadav affirmed that a comprehensive and multi-pronged investigation is now underway.
This includes both financial tracking and digital forensics to establish the full extent of Gagandeep Singh’s interactions, his connections, and any additional individuals who may be part of the espionage network.
Authorities are determined to uncover every link and hold all guilty parties accountable.
The Punjab Police is steadfast in its mission to uphold the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the nation. Any individual found to be engaging in anti-national or espionage-related activities will be dealt with firmly and by the law,” DGP Yadav stated.
The arrest comes at a time of heightened vigilance and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across India, especially in the wake of recent cross-border threats and intelligence reports warning of attempts to destabilize internal peace and security.
The case has sparked further alertness in the intelligence community and could have significant implications for India’s national security apparatus.
As investigations proceed, the Punjab Police are expected to release further details, particularly if additional arrests are made or if evidence points to a wider espionage ring operating within or outside the country. For now, Gagandeep Singh remains in custody, and national agencies are closely monitoring the developments of the case.
