More than two weeks after an unauthorised solar-powered CCTV camera allegedly used to monitor the movement of security personnel near Bathinda’s high-security military zone was unearthed, the police are yet to make any significant breakthrough in the case. They said efforts were continuing to trace the remaining accused linked to the espionage network.
Case Details and Arrests
The case came to light on June 15 after the Bathinda police arrested two persons, Ashok Singh (40) and Akashdeep Singh (22), both residents of Sarai village in Amritsar district, for allegedly installing a camera fitted with a SIM card on an electricity pole near a cement factory along the Bathinda-Sriganganagar road.
According to the police, Ashok allegedly arranged logistical support, technical inputs and the SIM card, while Akashdeep, along with another accomplice, installed the camera.
Duration and Target of Surveillance
The police said the camera remained operational for nearly three months, transmitting live footage of the movement of security personnel to anti-national elements based in Pakistan and Canada. The surveillance device was found installed near Asia’s largest military station and the headquarters of the Army’s X Corps. An Air Force station and the Bathinda airport are also located nearby.
Ongoing Investigation
Bathinda SP (City) Narinder Singh said efforts were continuing to nab the absconding accused. The police have not disclosed further details about the identity or number of suspects still at large. No additional arrests have been reported since June 15.
