The Haryana State Special Task Force (STF) has made a significant breakthrough in a major cross-border espionage and terror funding case, with the arrest of an eighth individual from Punjab. This development marks a crucial step in dismantling a Pakistan-backed spy network that allegedly targeted Indian defence personnel through honey traps and financial incentives.
Network Busted: The Espionage and Funding Racket
According to officials, the network was actively involved in espionage activities and channeling funds for terrorist operations within India. The mastermind, identified as Pradeep Singh, alias Pradhuman Singh, a resident of Gurdaspur in Punjab, was reportedly operating under the direct guidance of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The modus operandi involved using social media platforms to befriend and subsequently honey trap personnel from the Indian Army, Air Force, and other paramilitary forces.
The arrested individuals are accused of collecting sensitive information related to national security and the movement of Indian troops. In a disturbing revelation, the STF found that the network had successfully honey-trapped several defence personnel, compromising critical operational details. The funds for these activities were allegedly funneled through sophisticated channels, including the use of cryptocurrencies and hawala transactions, to avoid detection by Indian agencies.
The Eighth Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
The latest arrest was made from Punjab, bringing the total number of people apprehended in this case to eight. While the identity of the newly arrested accused is being scrutinized, he is believed to be a key operative responsible for logistics and communication within the spy ring. The Haryana STF, which is leading the investigation, has been working in close coordination with central intelligence agencies to map the entire network.
The case was officially registered on March 2 under several stringent sections of the law, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Official Secrets Act. The investigation has so far uncovered a web of transactions and communications that point to a sustained effort by Pakistan-based handlers to destabilize India's internal security apparatus.
National Security Implications and Future Steps
This case has sent shockwaves through the security establishment, highlighting the evolving tactics of cross-border espionage. The use of honey traps and terror funding to target serving military personnel represents a grave threat to national security. The STF has emphasized that the investigation is far from over, and more arrests are likely as they delve deeper into the network's connections across different states.
Security experts have called for heightened vigilance among defence personnel regarding their social media interactions and personal security protocols. The busting of this network is a testament to the improved intelligence-sharing and cyber surveillance capabilities of Indian agencies. Authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to identify and secure any compromised personnel while completely neutralizing the espionage threat posed by this ISI-backed module.
