DGP Yadav revealed that under Operation Sindoor, Punjab Police have arrested eight individuals suspected of spying for Pakistan. Recent arrests include Gagandeep Singh from Tarn Taran, who allegedly shared sensitive information about troop deployments and strategic locations with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Investigations indicate he was in contact with Pakistan-based Khalistani supporter Gopal Singh Chawla and received payments through Indian channels. Police have recovered mobile devices containing intelligence shared with over 20 ISI contacts, and a thorough financial and technical probe is ongoing to uncover the full scope of the espionage network.
Earlier, six others were arrested for similar offenses, including Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih from Ajnala and Guzala and Yameen Mohamad from Malerkotla, who reportedly received payments for sharing classified information. One of the accused had links to an official at the Pakistan High Commission, who has since been expelled from India.
Crackdown on drugs; over 13000 arrested
Addressing the issue of drug abuse, DGP Yadav stated that over 13,000 people have been arrested in anti-drug operations so far. More than 5,000 individuals involved in substance abuse have been admitted to de-addiction centers.
The police are now focusing on targeting major drug traffickers, using information from lower-level offenders to reach the higher echelons of the drug trade. Community engagement and coordination with local societies and panchayats are being strengthened to ensure effective rehabilitation and prevention at the grassroots level.
Yadav also mentioned that 10 lakh people are currently receiving medication at de-addiction centers. To prevent misuse, new guidelines have been issued to ensure medicines are distributed only to verified patients, following reports of medicines being resold.
The police are working closely with the health department to monitor medical shops selling objectionable drugs.
Enhanced border security and surveillance
To curb drug trafficking and cross-border espionage, Punjab Police are installing 20,000 CCTV cameras in border areas, with several already operational in districts like Pathankot. Plans are also underway to deploy drone surveillance systems.
Legal action and ongoing investigations
DGP Yadav emphasized that all actions are being conducted within the law, without targeting any specific individuals. Background checks and strict action are being taken against arrested traffickers. Investigations also extend to those released from jail, with the jail administration assisting in monitoring their activities. Currently, 250 related cases are under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Quote from DGP Gaurav Yadav
"Operation Sindoor has led to the arrest of eight spies in Punjab so far. Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are likely as we continue to dismantle these networks threatening national security and public health