MALERKOTLA, May 12: Police in Malerkotla claimed to have broken up a cross-border espionage network with the arrest of two suspects, including a 31-year-old widow, who were allegedly passing sensitive military information to a Pakistani handler.
A Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan embassy in New Delhi has also been booked in connection with the case.
The breakthrough came following a tip-off received amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, when the ceasefire agreement had not yet been enforced.
Acting on the intelligence, a team led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gagan Ajit Singh launched an operation that resulted in the arrest of the two suspects on Saturday.
The accused have been identified as Gujala, a resident of Chor Mohalla currently staying at her father’s house in Mohalla Bhaurian Wala, and Yameen Mohammad, both from Malerkotla.
“They were arrested after being charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act for compromising national security,” said SSP Gagan Ajit Singh. Two mobile phones used in the operation were also recovered.
Initial investigation suggests that Gujala came into contact with the Pakistani embassy official in February 2025, during a visit to seek a visa. She was reportedly lured into working for Pakistani intelligence and began providing him with strategic information related to Indian military activities.
“She received Rs 30,000 through mobile apps and UPI from the Pakistani official, and passed on some of that money to others as well. We are still tracking the payment trail,” said the SSP.
The case was formally registered by City 2 Police, led by officer Yadwinder Singh, on Thursday. The suspects were apprehended from separate locations two days later.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the key accused had leaked details about Indian Army movements.
“Based on her interrogation, we identified and arrested the second suspect who also played a role in the information transfer,” he said.
This operation comes close on the heels of another case cracked by the Amritsar (Rural) Police, in which two men—Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih—were arrested for allegedly sending visuals and sensitive details of army cantonments and airbases to Pakistani intelligence.
Officials believe the back-to-back arrests point to a broader espionage attempt orchestrated through diplomatic channels and mobile payment systems, exploiting vulnerable individuals for intelligence gathering.
