Safai Sewak at Army Cantt arrested for espionage

Based on the inputs of intelligence agencies, a police team under the leadership of SSP, Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora, has arrested an employee working as Safai Sewak at the Kapurthala Army Cantonment on allegations of espionage for a foreign country.

The accused, identified as Raja, resident of Mushakved in Kapurthala district, was taken into custody near Y-Point, Kanjali, during a routine patrol and checking operation, officials said.

Raja was employed as a private sanitary worker inside the Army Cantonment on a contractual basis. During his arrest, the police searched his mobile phone and allegedly found evidence of communication with contacts in Pakistan. Investigating officers claim that the accused had been sending photographs of restricted Army areas and sharing sensitive information related to military establishments.

The SSP stated that there were indications that the accused was receiving money from Pakistani handlers in exchange for the information. Officials described the matter as a serious breach of national security, claiming that the information transmitted could compromise the security, integrity, and operational confidentiality of defence installations.

Following the initial findings, an FIR has been registered. Raja has been booked under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, along with Section 152 of the BNS. The accused has been taken into custody and further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the information shared and to identify any possible associates.

Cops are reportedly examining digital communication records, financial transactions and other evidence to establish the scope of the suspected espionage activity. Police sources said that central security agencies also join the probe, considering the sensitivity of the case.