Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): The alleged Pakistan-linked espionage case in Ludhiana has taken a new turn, with investigators looking to question a relative of the arrested accused who is already behind bars in a separate drug-smuggling case.
The Ludhiana Commissionerate Police and Counter Intelligence Ludhiana are working to obtain a production warrant for the jailed man. Investigators believe his questioning could help establish the route through which Rachhpal Singh, a Fatehgarh Churian resident from Gurdaspur, allegedly got connected with Pakistan-based intelligence handlers.
The police are also trying to establish whether the jailed relative played any role in facilitating communication or introducing Singh to the suspected handlers.
CCTV cameras allegedly used to watch Ludhiana road
The investigation centres on a rented shop on Ludhiana-Ferozepur Road, which police claim was taken on the instructions of the Pakistan-based handlers.
Counter Intelligence AIG Simrat Pal Singh Dhindsa said the shop was around 6 km from the Baddowal Ammunition Depot and had been rented for ₹40,000 a month.
Two Chinese-manufactured CCTV cameras were allegedly installed outside the premises, with their view directed towards the road. According to investigators, access to the cameras was shared with handlers in Pakistan, allowing them to watch the live footage remotely.
Police allege that Singh was paid around ₹3 lakh for facilitating the arrangement.
Empty shop activity draws police attention
The premises, located close to the Old Octroi Post, reportedly showed little sign of genuine business activity after Singh took possession of the shop.
Investigators said the lack of meaningful commercial operations, combined with the positioning of the CCTV cameras and the accused’s conduct, contributed to their suspicion.
Following information received on August 27, a joint team from the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police and Counter Intelligence Ludhiana carried out an operation and arrested Singh.
Devices seized, digital evidence under scrutiny
Police have seized two CCTV cameras, a Wi-Fi router, a power adapter and a 64 GB memory card as part of the investigation.
Officials are now examining the devices and other digital evidence to determine when the alleged activity began and whether information of security significance was transmitted to Pakistan.
A key part of the probe is to establish what the cameras were being used to monitor and whether the live footage was intended to track specific movements or locations in the district.
Six-day police custody
A case has been registered at Sarabha Nagar police station under Sections 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 61(2) of the BNS.
Singh was produced before a court and has been remanded to six days of police custody.
Police Commissioner Swapna Sharma said investigators are questioning the accused in detail to determine the extent of the alleged information exchange and find out whether additional people were connected with the suspected operation.
Previous NDPS case also under review
Investigators have also taken note of an earlier case against Singh under the NDPS Act. Police said the case was registered at Dera Baba Nanak police station in June this year.
Singh was arrested in that case but was subsequently granted bail.
With investigators now seeking access to his jailed relative, the focus of the probe has expanded from the alleged CCTV arrangement to the wider network and communication links behind it.
