Jaipur: A 28-year-old man from Jaisalmer, suspected of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was remanded to five-day police custody by a Jaipur court on Saturday. Jhabararam — a resident of Nedan village in Pokhran tehsil — was arrested on Friday by Rajasthan Police’s Intelligence Wing following months of surveillance on espionage activities near the border, reports said.
Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafulla Kumar revealed that Jhabararam, an unemployed youth preparing for teacher recruitment exams, fell into an ISI honeytrap and began sharing sensitive Indian Army information since 2024. He allegedly transmitted details on troop movements, strategic installations, videos, and photographs linked to “Operation Sindoor” via social media and WhatsApp, providing OTPs from his SIM for handler access. Forensic analysis of his phone, conducted jointly with Military Intelligence at Jaipur’s Central Interrogation Centre, confirmed constant contact with ISI-linked accounts in exchange for money.
According to reports, the arrest stems from heightened technical and human intelligence operations amid rising Pakistani spy activities in Rajasthan’s border districts. ADGP Kumar emphasized continuous monitoring of anti-national elements, noting Jhabararam’s activities flagged suspicions leading to his detention. A case has been registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, with interrogation uncovering his role in facilitating cross-border anti-national operations.
Sources said this incident highlights ongoing ISI efforts to exploit vulnerable locals near military sites like Pokhran, a key testing range. Authorities recovered incriminating digital evidence, including communications tracing back to 2024, underscoring the threat in Rajasthan’s sensitive western frontier. Police suspect a broader network, with further probes into accomplices underway.
