CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police busted two separate ISI-backed modules that used high-tech, China-made CCTV cameras to transmit live feeds of sensitive military locations to handlers in Pakistan.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said one module was busted by Counter Intelligence Jalandhar with the arrest of an operative and recovery of a China-made CCTV camera, a USB-connected solar plate and 4G-enabled equipment. The second module was dismantled by Kapurthala Police in a joint operation with a central agency, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of four mobile phones linked to foreign handlers, along with a SIM-based CCTV camera and a WiFi set.
Yadav said the modules were strategically installing SIM-based and solar-powered CCTV cameras at various locations to monitor sensitive sites, including defence establishments, and transmitting live footage through mobile applications.
“These Chinese cameras are ideal for off-grid surveillance as they operate via 4G connectivity and solar power, bypassing the need for traditional wiring,” he said.
The accused arrested in the Counter Intelligence operation has been identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha, a resident of Sahanke village in Ferozepur. In the second operation, Kapurthala Police arrested Sona from Dona Mattar and Sandeep Singh alias Sonu from Chhanga Khurd, both in Ferozepur.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar) Simratpal Singh Dhindsa said that following Sukhwinder Singh’s arrest, a CCTV camera along with a solar plate and SIM card was recovered.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora said the second operation was based on specific intelligence about surveillance near an Army cantonment. A shop in Model Town, Kapurthala, was raided, where the accused had allegedly rented space to install a SIM-based camera on a nearby pole to monitor military movements.
“The investigation has revealed that a Pakistan-based handler identified as ‘Fauji’ paid Rs 35,000 for the installation. Sandeep Singh was also involved in drug smuggling and received Rs 50,000 for distributing 1 kg heroin sent via drones by the same handler,” Toora added.
Two separate cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Official Secrets Act at Police Station City Kapurthala and the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.