Security – Punjab Police Probe Alleged Highway Surveillance Linked to Pakistan
Security – Punjab Police have arrested a man from the Pathankot district over allegations of passing sensitive surveillance footage to handlers based in Pakistan. Investigators believe the accused used an internet-enabled CCTV system to secretly monitor movement along the strategically important Pathankot-Jammu highway corridor, a route frequently used by Army and paramilitary convoys.
According to officials, the accused has been identified as Baljit Singh, a resident of Chakk Dhariwal village in Punjab’s Pathankot district. Police sources said he was detained during a counter-intelligence operation after investigators uncovered suspicious digital surveillance activity near National Highway-44, which connects Punjab with Jammu and Kashmir.
CCTV Camera Installed Near Strategic Route
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused allegedly installed a web-connected CCTV camera at a shop located near a bridge on the highway earlier this year. Investigators suspect the camera was positioned to capture live visuals of troop deployment and security convoy movement in the region.
Police officials said the footage was allegedly transmitted in real time to individuals believed to be operating from Pakistan. Authorities are now examining digital records, communication details, and financial transactions connected to the case.
During questioning, Baljit Singh reportedly admitted to setting up the surveillance equipment in January. Investigators claim the operation was intended to help foreign handlers monitor military activity in the border region.
Links Under Investigation
Security agencies are also probing the role of an unidentified individual based in Dubai who allegedly remained in contact with the accused. Police sources said Baljit Singh had allegedly received instructions through online communication platforms and was paid nearly Rs 40,000 for carrying out the surveillance task.
The CCTV device used in the operation has been seized by investigators. Officials said forensic examination of the equipment and related digital material is underway to determine the extent of data transmission and identify possible links to larger espionage networks.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects being connected to the case. Intelligence agencies are coordinating with local police units to trace communication channels and financial transfers associated with the alleged operation.
Previous Spy Network Cases in Punjab
The latest arrest comes weeks after Punjab Police claimed to have dismantled two alleged espionage modules linked to Pakistan’s intelligence network. In those cases, investigators accused suspects of using solar-powered CCTV cameras manufactured in China to monitor sensitive military sites across the state.
Officials had stated that the cameras were capable of transmitting live footage through mobile applications directly to handlers located across the border. Security personnel believe such systems were strategically installed at locations offering a clear view of military infrastructure and troop movement.
One such camera was reportedly discovered in Kapurthala’s Model Town area earlier this month. Mounted on an electric pole, the device allegedly formed part of a wider surveillance setup targeting important defence-related locations.
Counter-Intelligence Operations Intensified
Punjab’s counter-intelligence wing has increased monitoring activities in border districts following repeated incidents involving suspected spying attempts. Security agencies remain concerned about the use of commercially available digital surveillance equipment for intelligence gathering near military zones.
Officials say the investigation is continuing and further arrests could follow depending on the findings from electronic devices and communication records recovered during the operation. Authorities are also reviewing whether similar equipment may have been installed in other sensitive areas across the region.
The case has once again highlighted the growing challenge faced by security agencies in tracking technologically advanced espionage methods using low-cost surveillance tools and internet-based communication systems.