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Punjab Police bust ISI spy ring using solar-powered surveillance
Punjab police, with central agencies and Kapurthala police, dismantled two ISI-backed espionage modules operating from Kapurthala. Three Ferozepur-based individuals were arrested and four mobile phones along with solar-powered 4G CCTV gear were seized, linked to foreign handlers. Authorities say the equipment was used to monitor army establishments and stream live footage to Pakistan-based handlers; an SSOC case in Amritsar is underway with broader network investigations.
Why It Matters
The case highlights the use of solar-powered, autonomous surveillance technology to conduct remote espionage and transmit data across borders, raising national security concerns.
Timeline
5 Events
Ongoing investigation into the module’s logistical chain
April 30, 2026
Law-enforcement agencies are conducting a deep-dive investigation into the module’s logistical chain to uncover the broader network and the specific technical channels used to facilitate this breach of national security.
Case registration and linkage to Pakistan-based handlers
April 30, 2026
Following the arrests, a case was registered at the state special operation cell (SSOC) in Amritsar. Kapurthala senior superintendent of police Gaurav Toora said the ISI handler is the same in both linked espionage cases, with preliminary investigation indicating direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers and installation of a SIM-based CCTV device to transmit live footage of sensitive locations through mobile applications.
Module objective and surveillance technology details
April 30, 2026
Punjab director general of police Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the module’s primary objective was covert monitoring of sensitive sites, particularly army establishments. The solar-powered units allowed continuous, autonomous surveillance and streamed live footage directly to handlers in Pakistan via specialised mobile applications.
Arrests of three Ferozepur-based individuals including Sukha
April 30, 2026
Three Ferozepur-based individuals were arrested, including key operative Sukhwinder Singh, alias Sukha, and two other youths. The article notes their linkage to the ISI-backed modules and their role in the operation.
Dismantling of ISI-backed espionage modules; arrests and seizures
April 30, 2026
The counter-intelligence wing of the Jalandhar police, in a joint operation with central agencies and the Kapurthala police, dismantled two sophisticated ISI-backed espionage modules operating out of Kapurthala. The operation led to the arrest of three Ferozepur-based individuals, including key operative Sukhwinder Singh, alias Sukha, and two other youths. Authorities seized four mobile phones linked to foreign handlers along with hi-tech, China-made solar CCTV equipment featuring 4G connectivity.