In what reads like the script of a spy thriller, Rajasthan CID Intelligence has arrested a Pakistani spy – Hanif Mir Khan – accused of leaking sensitive information about Indian Army troop movements to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His activities reportedly continued even during Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strikes in the aftermath of April 22 Pahalgam attack.
According to CID (Security) IGP Dr. Vishnukant, the accused, 47-year-old Khan hails from Basanpir Juni under Sadar police station limits and was residing in Mohangarh, Jaisalmer. His suspicious activities led investigators to uncover his links with Pakistan-based handlers via social media channels.
Investigations revealed Khan had direct access to border areas and was actively passing on confidential details about military installations and troop movements. Rajasthan Police confirmed that even during May’s Operation Sindoor, he continued to share strategic inputs with his ISI contact.
How was his espionage network exposed?
The breakthrough came after CID teams flagged Khan’s suspicious communication patterns. Interrogation at the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur, coupled with mobile phone technical analysis, confirmed he was providing classified information to ISI in exchange for money.
Dr. Vishnukant stated that the Intelligence team has been continuously monitoring espionage activities in the state. During their surveillance, they identified suspicious activities of 47-year-old Khan.
“He was in touch with a Pakistani handler during Operation Sindoor and was sharing details about the Army’s movements,” the officer said.
A case has been registered against Khan under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. He remains in custody, with multiple intelligence agencies continuing to probe the extent of the information he leaked and his network of handlers across the border.
The arrest underscores the persistent espionage threat faced in border states like Rajasthan, where proximity to sensitive military zones increases the risk of leaks. It also highlights ISI’s ongoing attempts to exploit locals through social media and financial inducements to gather critical intelligence.
(Updates Throughout)