Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 31: In a shocking revelation of a Pakistan-backed espionage network targeting India’s security apparatus, the arrest of CRPF assistant sub-inspector Motiram Jat has exposed what officials describe as a highly organised intelligence operation.

Jat was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 26 for allegedly leaking sensitive security information to Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) since 2023. His arrest, coming just days after his transfer from the strategically important region of Pahalgam and shortly before a terror attack there, raised immediate alarms within security circles.

Based on insights from his interrogation, the NIA launched coordinated raids across 15 locations in eight states—Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and West Bengal—on Saturday. These locations are believed to be linked to financial conduits and operatives working under the direction of Pakistan-based handlers.

Officials confirmed that several digital devices, sensitive financial records, and incriminating materials were seized and are being subjected to forensic scrutiny.

The case has been registered under Sections 61(2), 147, 148 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, and Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Sources revealed that the spy network operated using hawala transactions and shell entities to conceal financial flows meant for espionage activities.

“This wasn’t a one-man act of betrayal. The pattern and communication trail indicate a deep-rooted network,” a senior counterintelligence official said.

The NIA believes Jat was targeted by a woman who posed as a journalist for an Indian news outlet and later introduced him to another operative claiming to be her colleague. Jat allegedly shared classified documents with the woman and continued communication with both handlers.

Officials say more arrests are likely as the probe intensifies into what is now being described as a serious case of foreign-backed subversion using digital manipulation and insider access.

“This operation reaffirms our zero-tolerance policy towards threats emanating from within, especially those orchestrated by hostile nations,” said an NIA spokesperson.