Security breach near Bathinda military station: CCTV camera installed, data transmitted to Pakistan, Canada
PTC News Desk: A suspected espionage and surveillance operation linked to anti-national elements based in Pakistan and Canada has been uncovered near Bathinda's high-security military area, prompting a counter-intelligence investigation. Two residents of Amritsar district have been arrested in connection with the case.
The discovery is particularly significant because Bathinda is home to Asia's largest military station and the headquarters of the Indian Army's X Corps. The site where the surveillance device was found is located only a few kilometres from these sensitive military installations. The Bathinda Air Force Station and Bathinda Airport are also situated nearby.
According to investigators, an unauthorised solar-powered CCTV camera equipped with a SIM card had been installed on an electricity pole near a cement factory along the Bathinda–Sriganganagar Road. The device is believed to have been operating for nearly three months, allegedly transmitting information about the movement of security personnel and vehicles.
Bathinda SP (City) Narinder Singh said that during the investigation, the police learned that the camera feed of the movement of police and security forces was being sent to anti-national elements in Pakistan and Canada. “Our teams analysed CCTV footage, technical evidence and human intelligence inputs to identify the suspects and arrested two persons, Ashok Singh (40), a cook, and Akashdeep Singh (22), who is unemployed. Both are residents of Sarai village in Amritsar district.
The revelation has raised serious concerns about security arrangements in the area and has led authorities to examine how the surveillance equipment remained undetected for such a long period. Intelligence and security agencies are now investigating the extent of the information that may have been collected and who was receiving the data.
A case in this regard was registered at the Thermal police station under the Official Secrets Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Joint teams of the Bathinda police, CIA staff and Counter Intelligence units have launched an investigation.
- With inputs from agencies
