ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran: How Intelligence Agencies Uncovered the Espionage Network and What India’s Official Secrets Act Says
- Kaushal
- 21 hours ago
- 7 min read
India’s counter-intelligence agencies have arrested a 28-year-old man from Pokhran in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and transmitting sensitive and strategically important information related to the Indian Army to handlers across the border.
The arrest was made by the Intelligence Wing of the Rajasthan Police, amid heightened vigilance along Rajasthan’s western border, where intelligence agencies have flagged increased espionage activity by Pakistani agencies targeting military installations, troop movements, and strategic infrastructure.
ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran: Who Is the Accused and Where Was He Arrested From?
According to senior police and intelligence officials, the accused has been identified as:
Name: Jhabararam
Father’s name: Bhana Ram
Age: 28 years
Residence: Nedan village
Police jurisdiction: Sankra police station
District: Jaisalmer
Region: Pokhran, Rajasthan
Pokhran lies in Rajasthan’s desert belt and holds exceptional strategic importance due to:
Its proximity to the India–Pakistan international border
Presence of critical Indian Army installations
Frequent movement of defence personnel, weapons, and logistics
Because of these factors, Pokhran and surrounding areas are considered high-value intelligence targets for hostile foreign agencies.
How Rajasthan Intelligence Detected the ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran
The arrest followed sustained surveillance and intelligence-led monitoring by Rajasthan Police Intelligence.
Key Detection Methods Used
Technical surveillance (digital and telecom monitoring)
Human intelligence (HUMINT) inputs
Tracking of suspicious communication patterns on social media
Speaking to the media, Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafull Kumar said intelligence inputs indicated a renewed push by Pakistani intelligence agencies to activate espionage networks in Rajasthan’s border districts.
“Acting on these inputs, Rajasthan Intelligence initiated a focused technical and human intelligence operation, which ultimately led to the identification of the suspect. Continuous monitoring of anti-national elements is being carried out across the state,” he said.
Use of Social Media and WhatsApp in the ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran Case
Investigators revealed that Jhabararam was in regular contact with ISI handlers through social media platforms, with WhatsApp being the primary channel used for communication.
Modus Operandi Identified
Pakistani handlers allegedly honey-trapped the accused
Financial inducements were offered in exchange for information
The accused allegedly shared confidential and strategically important details, including:
Movements of Indian Army units
Locations and layouts of military installations
Serious SIM and OTP Breach
A particularly grave finding was that the accused shared the One-Time Password (OTP) of a SIM card registered in his own name with Pakistani handlers. This SIM was then used to:
Activate WhatsApp
Enable covert communication
Mask the handlers’ digital identity
Facilitate anti-national activities
Forensic Evidence and Joint Interrogation of the ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran
A forensic analysis of the accused’s mobile phone uncovered “disturbing details”, including:
Chat histories with suspected ISI handlers
Evidence of money transfers
Instructions related to data collection and sharing
After preliminary confirmation, Jhabararam was taken to the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur, where he was jointly interrogated by:
Rajasthan Police Intelligence
Military Intelligence
Other central security agencies
This coordinated interrogation helped:
Corroborate digital and human intelligence
Assess how much sensitive information was compromised
Identify possible additional links or collaborators
Custody Status and Legal Action Against the ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran
Following corroboration of evidence:
A case was registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923
The accused was formally arrested on Friday, January 30
He was produced before a court and remanded to police custody in Jaipur
Further investigation is ongoing to determine:
Whether additional individuals were involved
The full extent of intelligence leakage
Official Secrets Act, 1923: Law, History, Provisions, Penalties and Controversies
What Is the Official Secrets Act, 1923 About?
The Official Secrets Act (OSA), 1923 is a colonial-era national security law enacted to prevent espionage, protect classified information, and secure strategic government installations.
The law applies to:
Government servants
Private citizens
Journalists
Organisations and companies
It criminalises:
Spying
Sharing “secret” information
Unauthorised access to restricted areas
Interference with the armed forces
Unauthorised use of uniforms
Withholding or mishandling classified material
What Counts as ‘Information’ Under the Act?
The Act covers:
Documents
Photographs
Sketches
Maps
Plans and models
Official codes and passwords
Any reference to places occupied by or belonging to the government
Historical Background of the Official Secrets Act, 1923
Roots trace to secrecy laws of 1889 and 1904
Strengthened under British rule during Lord Curzon’s tenure
Final version enacted in 1923
Retained after Independence due to national security concerns
Objectives of the Official Secrets Act, 1923
The Act aims to:
Prevent espionage and communication of sensitive material to enemy states
Prohibit unauthorised access, inspection, or mapping of restricted government locations
Restrict dissemination of classified documents, sketches, plans, models, codes, or passwords
Ensure only authorised officials handle classified material
Strengthen state authority against threats to national security
Protect defence operations, military preparedness, and confidential diplomatic communications
Key Provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923
Section 3 – Espionage
Criminalises possession or sharing of sensitive information
Punishable with imprisonment up to 14 years
Section 5 – Disclosure Offences
Penalises unauthorised disclosure, retention, or failure to return official documents
Applies even to those who knowingly receive such material
Other Provisions
Only authorised personnel may access classified information
Magistrates can issue search warrants at any time
Courts may conduct closed-door hearings
Journalists may be legally required to assist investigations, including revealing sources
Corporate liability applies to editors, publishers, directors, and managers
Penalties Under the Official Secrets Act, 1923
Punishments range from three years to life imprisonment, depending on intent and severity.
Penalty Breakdown
Section 3: Up to 14 years’ imprisonment (with or without fine)
Section 5: Up to 3 years’ imprisonment (with or without fine)
Section 10: Sheltering spies — up to 3 years’ imprisonment
Punishable Offences Include
War-related intent to assist an enemy state
Harbouring or sheltering spies
Possession of secret material in prohibited areas
Obstructing authorised searches
Corporate involvement in classified breaches
The Act follows a strict liability framework, meaning intent is not always required.
Criticism of the Official Secrets Act, 1923
The Act has been criticised for:
Its colonial character
Over-broad definitions of “secret”
Conflict with transparency laws
Alleged misuse against journalists
Conflict With RTI Act, 2005
Although Section 6 labels all government information as official, the Supreme Court has clarified that the Right to Information Act overrides the OSA in cases of public interest.
Misuse Against Journalists: Notable Cases
Iftikhar Gilani (2002): Arrested for downloading a document from the internet; later honourably discharged after seven months in jail
Tarakant Dwivedi (2011): Booked after reporting weapon storage lapses at CST Mumbai; case dismissed by Bombay High Court
Santanu Saikia (2009): Delhi High Court ruled that merely publishing a document marked “secret” does not automatically attract OSA
Has the Law Been Reformed Over the Years?
Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2006): Recommended replacing OSA with a chapter in the National Security Act
UPA Government (2008): Group of Ministers rejected repeal but suggested amendments
NDA Government (2015): High-level committee formed; report submitted in 2017
No reforms implemented till date
Political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have cautioned against using the Act to harass journalists.
Do Other Countries Have Similar Laws?
Yes. Comparable laws exist in:
United Kingdom
Malaysia
Singapore
New Zealand
Other examples:
Canada: Replaced OSA with the Security of Information Act (2001)
United States: Espionage Act
Myanmar: Two Reuters journalists jailed in 2018 under secrecy laws
Malaysia: Accused of using OSA to suppress dissent
Why Rajasthan’s Border Areas Remain on High Alert
Districts such as Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner are vulnerable due to:
Long and porous international border
Frequent espionage attempts
Honey-trap recruitment tactics
Digital recruitment through social media
Targets often include:
Unemployed youth
Active social media users
Individuals with access to sensitive locations
Why the ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran Case Matters
The Pokhran arrest highlights:
The digital evolution of espionage
Use of encrypted platforms and social media
Importance of early detection and coordinated intelligence
Ongoing relevance—and controversy—of the Official Secrets Act
The Bigger Picture
With increasing digital penetration, Indian agencies are intensifying counter-espionage operations while urging citizens to:
Be cautious of online interactions
Report suspicious contacts immediately
Avoid sharing personal or operational information
FAQs: ISI Spy Arrested in Pokhran
Q. Who was the ISI spy arrested in Pokhran?
Ans. The ISI spy arrested in Pokhran has been identified as Jhabararam, a 28-year-old resident of Nedan village in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. According to Rajasthan Police Intelligence, he allegedly shared sensitive and strategically important information related to the Indian Army with handlers of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence.
Q. What is the role of honeytrap in ISI espionage cases?
Ans. In many espionage cases, including the Pokhran arrest, honeytraps are used to lure individuals through emotional manipulation or online relationships. Authorities said the accused was allegedly drawn into the espionage network through a honeytrap combined with financial inducements.
Q. What law has been invoked against the ISI spy arrested in Pokhran?
Ans. The Rajasthan Police registered a case under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. This law deals with espionage, unauthorised disclosure of classified information, and activities that threaten national security. Violations can attract severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
Q. What punishment does the Official Secrets Act, 1923 provide for spying?
Ans. Under the Official Secrets Act, offences related to espionage can lead to imprisonment ranging from three years to life, depending on the severity of the offence. Section 3 of the Act allows punishment of up to 14 years for sharing sensitive defence-related information.
Q. Why is Pokhran considered a sensitive security region?
Ans. Pokhran is strategically important due to its proximity to the India–Pakistan border, presence of key Indian Army installations, and frequent movement of defence personnel and equipment. These factors make the region vulnerable to espionage and a high-priority area for intelligence monitoring.
Q. Why are Pakistani intelligence agencies targeting Rajasthan’s border areas?
Ans. Pakistani intelligence agencies are believed to target Rajasthan’s border districts because of their long and porous international boundary, military presence, and availability of vulnerable individuals. Social media platforms are increasingly used to identify and recruit local operatives for espionage activities.
Q. What happens after an ISI spy is arrested in India?
Ans. After arrest, the accused is interrogated by state and central intelligence agencies, forensic evidence is analysed, and the individual is produced before court. If evidence is corroborated, charges are framed under national security laws and further investigations continue to identify wider networks.
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