In a major breakthrough in India’s counterintelligence operations, a Pakistani spy identified as Pathan Khan has been arrested in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, for allegedly leaking sensitive military information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest, which follows a month-long investigation, was confirmed by ADG Intelligence Sanjay Agarwal on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Arrest of Pathan Khan in Jaisalmer

Pathan Khan, a resident of Mohangarh Nadi area in Jaisalmer, was arrested under the Official Secrets Act after authorities discovered he had been actively involved in espionage activities on behalf of Pakistan. His arrest has sent shockwaves through intelligence and defence circles, especially due to the strategic importance of Rajasthan's border with Pakistan.

According to intelligence sources, Khan had been gathering confidential information related to Indian Army movements and sharing it with his ISI handlers. These activities included the transmission of photographs, videos, and strategic locations related to military deployments along the India-Pakistan border.

Linked to ISI Since 2019

Investigators have revealed that Pathan Khan traveled to Pakistan in 2019, ostensibly to visit relatives. However, during this visit, he allegedly came into contact with ISI operatives, and it is suspected that he was recruited by Pakistan’s intelligence services during this time.

On his return to India, Khan is believed to have set up an espionage network, targeting Indian military assets and infrastructure located near the border. He reportedly monitored troop movements, collected data on army camps and defense establishments, and forwarded them to Pakistan in exchange for payment.

Evidence suggests Khan received remuneration for each piece of intelligence shared. Authorities have recovered electronic devices, mobile phones, and communication records indicating regular contact with ISI handlers through encrypted internet chats and phone calls.

Charges Filed Under the Official Secrets Act

Khan was initially detained on suspicion about a month ago, but his formal arrest took place after significant revelations during interrogation. A case under the Official Secrets Act has been registered against him in Jaipur, underscoring the seriousness of the charges.

Officials from central intelligence agencies, the Rajasthan police, and military intelligence have now formed a joint interrogation team to further question Khan. Sources say they expect additional disclosures regarding other individuals who may be part of this spy network.

“The investigation is at a sensitive stage. We are verifying each communication, contact, and possible accomplice of the suspect. The priority is national security,” said ADG Sanjay Agarwal.

What the Investigation Has Uncovered So Far

The case has already revealed some alarming details:

• Khan sent regular updates and strategic visuals of the border terrain to his Pakistani handlers.

• He maintained covert communication through online platforms and often used codes to mask sensitive content.

• Financial trails indicate he was paid in installments, sometimes routed via third-party networks or hawala channels.

While the exact volume of information leaked is still being assessed, authorities believe some of the data might have been used by Pakistan for strategic planning, reconnaissance, or cross-border military awareness.

Importance of the India-Pakistan Border in Rajasthan

The India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan is a critical security zone, stretching over 1,000 kilometres, including areas such as Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar. These regions are fortified with Border Security Force (BSF) outposts, surveillance towers, and military establishments, which routinely monitor infiltration and smuggling attempts.

Given the sensitivity of these zones, any breach of military secrecy or exposure of troop positions poses a direct threat to national security. This makes Khan’s alleged actions even more alarming, especially as India has seen increased attempts at espionage and infiltration over the last few years.

Ongoing Interrogation and Further Leads

Khan has now been moved to Jaipur for extended interrogation, where central agencies are questioning him about:

• His recruitment process by ISI and the identities of his handlers.

• Other individuals or agents he may have collaborated with.

• Financial transactions and communication methods used.

• Nature and frequency of sensitive information shared with Pakistan.

Authorities are also scanning his electronic devices, social media accounts, and travel history, while trying to locate digital footprints that may lead to other ISI-linked operatives.

The case is considered extremely sensitive, and officials are withholding the full details of the espionage data until verification is complete.

National Security Implications

This arrest brings national security back into the spotlight, particularly regarding the threat posed by cross-border espionage. In recent years, several such incidents have been reported across the country, with Pakistan-based operatives targeting civilians, army personnel, and infrastructure workers.

In 2023 and 2024 alone, Indian agencies had foiled multiple attempts by Pakistan’s ISI to infiltrate defense networks, often using social engineering, fake identity creation, and digital manipulation.

Experts warn that such activities are becoming more technologically sophisticated, with greater use of cyber-espionage tools and encryption platforms.

Political and Public Reaction

While political leaders have largely refrained from commenting, the arrest is expected to become a point of national debate, especially in light of upcoming security discussions at both state and central levels. Many are demanding stricter vetting in border areas and increased surveillance of individuals traveling to and from high-risk countries.

Security experts also suggest that the government should boost intelligence-sharing frameworks between state and central agencies, enhance counterintelligence operations, and increase community vigilance in sensitive areas.

Conclusion

The arrest of Pathan Khan, a suspected ISI agent in Jaisalmer, is a major blow to Pakistan’s intelligence-gathering efforts and a victory for Indian counterintelligence. It serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance needed along the border and the ever-present risk of espionage operations.

With interrogation still ongoing, more names, methods, and connections could emerge, potentially exposing a deeper web of foreign intelligence activities operating inside Indian territory.

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