Ranit Kr. Singh , Chandigarh - The Punjab Police have arrested a resident of Pathankot, identified as Baljit Singh from Chakk Dhariwal village, for allegedly spying for Pakistan-based handlers by transmitting a live CCTV feed of troop movements. According to preliminary investigations, Singh installed an internet-based closed-circuit television camera in January at a shop near a strategic bridge on National Highway-44 (Pathankot-Jammu Highway) to monitor the movement of army and paramilitary forces. The police recovered the surveillance equipment from his possession and revealed that the accused confessed to receiving directions from an unknown handler in Dubai, who paid him ₹40,000 for the operation.

This arrest follows the busting of two major Pakistan ISI-backed espionage modules last month in Jalandhar and Kapurthala, which utilized sophisticated, China-made solar-powered CCTV cameras. Officials noted that these off-grid devices operate via 4G connectivity and solar plates, allowing operatives to bypass traditional wiring and discreetly monitor sensitive military locations. In total, three operatives were detained in those joint operations alongside the recovery of four mobile phones linked to foreign handlers, a Wi-Fi set, and multiple SIM-based cameras used to stream live footage to Pakistan through specialized mobile applications.

Commenting on the emerging tactical shift in cross-border espionage, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav issued an official statement regarding the security challenge: "These modules were strategically installing SIM-based, solar-powered CCTV cameras at various locations to monitor sensitive sites, including establishments linked to defence forces, to transmit live footage to Pakistan-based handlers 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 entirely."