Ludhiana: The investigation into an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage network operating from Ludhiana has widened, with police now seeking the custody of a jailed relative of the accused to trace how the suspected contact with handlers across the border was established.
The relative is currently lodged in jail in connection with a drug-smuggling case. The Ludhiana Commissionerate Police and Counter Intelligence Ludhiana have started the process of securing a production warrant so that he can be questioned in the espionage case.
Police suspect his interrogation could shed light on how Rachhpal Singh, a resident of Fatehgarh Churian in Gurdaspur, allegedly came in contact with Pakistan-based intelligence handlers and how the suspected network functioned.
Shop rented near ammunition depot
According to Counter Intelligence AIG Simrat Pal Singh Dhindsa, Rachhpal allegedly rented a shop on Ludhiana-Ferozepur Road following instructions from his suspected handlers in Pakistan.
The premises, located around 6 km from the Baddowal Ammunition Depot, were reportedly rented for Rs 40,000 per month.
Police said two Chinese-made CCTV cameras were installed outside the shop, with their lenses directed towards the road. The alleged handlers in Pakistan were provided access to the cameras, enabling them to watch the footage remotely.
Investigators claim Rachhpal received around ₹3 lakh from the Pakistan-based handlers for carrying out the task.
Lack of business activity raised suspicion
The shop was reportedly situated near the Old Octroi Post on Ferozepur Road. Police said the accused did not undertake any noticeable commercial activity after renting the premises.
His conduct, coupled with the positioning of the CCTV cameras outside the shop, allegedly raised suspicion among investigators.
Acting on information received on August 27, a joint team of the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police and Counter Intelligence Ludhiana arrested Rachhpal Singh.
Police examine CCTV and digital trail
Investigators allege that Rachhpal shared the login credentials of the cameras with Pakistan-based handlers, giving them access to the live footage.
Police are now examining the electronic devices and other digital material recovered from him to determine how long the alleged operation had been active and what information may have been accessed or transmitted.
Officials are particularly examining whether the camera feeds were used to monitor movements and activities in Ludhiana and whether sensitive security-related information was gathered.
Six-day police remand
Police recovered two CCTV cameras, a Wi-Fi router, a power adapter and a 64 GB memory card from the accused, officials said.
A case has been registered at Sarabha Nagar police station under Sections 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, along with Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Rachhpal was produced before a court and sent to six days of police custody.
Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapna Sharma said investigators are conducting detailed questioning to establish the nature of the alleged information-sharing operation, assess the volume and sensitivity of any information that may have been transmitted and identify whether other people were involved.
Earlier NDPS case
Police said Rachhpal had also faced an NDPS Act case registered at Dera Baba Nanak police station in June this year. He was arrested in that case but was later granted bail.
The latest investigation is now focused on tracing the suspected communication chain, including the role of the jailed relative, and determining the full extent of the alleged espionage activity.
