Punjab Police have arrested former Indian Army personnel Rajbir Singh from Hasimara in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district over allegations of spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and leaking sensitive military information.
Singh, a resident of Rasulpur village in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, was arrested on October 29 and is accused of sharing confidential details about Indian Army establishments and other sensitive military information with Pakistani handlers.
The arrest was carried out by Punjab Police’s Special Operations Cell, with assistance from local police. A Siliguri court subsequently granted the investigating team two days of transit remand to take the accused to Punjab for further questioning.
Case Registered Under Official Secrets Act
According to reports, an FIR was registered at Fazilka police station in Punjab on October 8 under Sections 3 and 4 of the Official Secrets Act. Investigators allege that Singh shared classified information with the ISI through the internet while serving in the Indian Army.
Police records reportedly indicated that he had been absconding since the case was registered. The investigation is now focused on establishing the nature and extent of the information allegedly shared and identifying others who may have been involved.
Arrest Made in Strategically Sensitive Area
Singh was apprehended in Hasimara, an area near the India-Bhutan border that houses an important Army cantonment. The location has strategic significance, making allegations involving the disclosure of military information particularly sensitive.
According to media reports, investigators suspect that Singh may have worked with an associate who is still at large. Authorities are examining whether other individuals were involved in the alleged information-sharing network.
Investigation Underway
Following the transit remand, Punjab Police took Singh to the state for further interrogation and legal proceedings. Investigators are expected to examine the alleged communication channels and determine whether additional military or civilian contacts were involved.
The allegations remain under investigation, and Singh's guilt has not been established by a court.