Delhi Police Busts Pak-Backed Spy Ring; 11 Arrested For Tracking Indian Army Via Solar CCTVs

According to officials, the network relied on solar-powered CCTV cameras installed at strategically sensitive locations, allowing handlers across the border to remotely access live feeds. The surveillance spanned multiple cities, including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala and Moga in Punjab; Ambala; Kathua; and Bikaner and Alwar, regions critical due to their proximity to the international border, presence of Army cantonments, and role as key troop movement and logistics routes.

Police said the cameras were deliberately positioned near military installations, highways used for troop mobilisation and border-linked infrastructure. “What makes this case particularly alarming is that the footage was being transmitted live to handlers in Pakistan, effectively allowing them to sit across the border and monitor Indian Army movements in real time,” a senior officer said.

The accused have been identified as Manpreet Singh, Anmol, Sahil, Gurjeet, Rimpledeep, Salwinder alias Kalu, Boota Singh, Harpreet from Punjab and Atul Rathee, Rohit and Ajay from Delhi. They were allegedly acting under directions from Pakistan-based handlers. Investigators said the operatives on the ground were tasked with installing surveillance equipment, conducting reconnaissance and relaying sensitive visuals.

The use of solar-powered cameras ensured uninterrupted surveillance, even in remote or low-access areas, making detection difficult. “These devices were fitted with SIM cards procured using fake identities and linked to mobile applications, enabling seamless transmission of footage,” said additional commissioner of police, special cell, Pramod Singh Kushwah.

The officer said the group carried out detailed reconnaissance before installing the cameras, selecting vantage points offering clear visibility of Army cantonments and movement routes. The data, once transmitted, was analysed by handlers to map patterns, identify vulnerabilities and potentially plan further operations.

“The intention was not merely passive surveillance but sustained monitoring of defence movement patterns,” the officer said, adding that such intelligence could have been used to plan terror strikes or facilitate cross-border operations.

The crackdown was carried out in two phases. In the first, six accused were arrested from Punjab and Delhi, and nine CCTV cameras, four pistols, including three foreign-made weapons and 24 live cartridges were recovered. In the second phase, based on inputs from military intelligence, five more operatives involved in reconnaissance and data sharing were apprehended.

Police identified Manpreet Singh, a resident of Punjab’s Tarn Taran, as a key link in the network, allegedly maintaining direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers and coordinating communication as well as the movement of illegal arms. Field operatives such as Anmol, a 10th pass and Sahil a 12th pass both engaged in wallpaper pasting work, were responsible for installing cameras at multiple locations, while others facilitated arms procurement and reconnaissance activities.

Atul Rathee, with a master's degree in business from New Zealand, received four foreign-made pistols from Manpreet and three country-made pistols from an arms trafficker. Rohit holds a master's degree in business. He accompanied Atul Rathee to receive arms from Punjab.

Ajay, a graduate, received a country-made pistol from Rohit. Gurjeet, who has studied up to the 12th standard, established contact with Pak-based handlers through his cousin who was engaged in cross-border narco smuggling. He conducted reconnaissance of Army Cantt and shared photos and videos with the Pak handler.

Rimpledeep, who has studied up to the 12th standard, collected and shared sensitive information, including images and videos of Army and BSF Camps. Harpreet, who completed his education up to 10th standard, acted on the instructions of the Pak handler to facilitate drug trafficking across the international border and planned installations of the solar-powered CCTV cameras.

Salwinder, who has studied up to the 10th standard, is presently working as a DJ operator. He accompanied Rimpledeep in conducting reconnaissance and assisting in sharing photos and videos of the Army and paramilitary installations. Boota has passed 12th and was involved in cross-border smuggling of narcotics

Investigators said the module also had links to cross-border narcotics smuggling, with some accused previously involved in drug trafficking. This overlap between espionage, organised crime and terror-linked activities, officials said, points to a larger conspiracy backed by external elements.

Security agencies are now examining digital evidence, including mobile phones and data retrieved from the CCTV systems, to trace additional links, identify handlers and uncover potential sleeper cells. Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the probe continues.

Police said the bust may have averted a major security threat, with preliminary inputs suggesting that the module was also exploring plans to target security establishments using explosives and other means.

“The investigation is ongoing, and more disclosures are expected in the coming days,” an officer said.