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An assistant sub-inspector of the CRPF has been arrested after he was found sharing classified information with Pakistani spies posing as journalists for the past two years.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Central Reserve Police Force ASI Moti Ram Jat from Delhi earlier this week, after alleging that he shared sensitive information with Pakistani agents in return for monetary funds.
Jat received Rs 3,500 per month for providing intelligence to Pakistan and Rs 12,000 for crucial information, according to a report by the Indian Express.
What info did he pass on?
Jat allegedly shared information like Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack of April 22, the closure of 50 tourist spots, the movement and strength and the CRPF force.
“Jat allegedly provided multiple classified documents related to security personnel deployment, information of troops movement, reports of the multi-agency centre (MAC) of intelligence agencies, and sometimes the locations of terrorist movement,” a source told the news outlet.
In a few of his exchanges, Jat shared news clippings related to paramilitary forces, but the recipients advised him against sending information that was already publicly accessible. “After one or two months, they started giving Rs 3,500 to him on the fourth day of every month, and also Rs 12,000 for crucial information. He received the money in his and his wife’s accounts,” the source claimed.
Spies posed as TV journalists
A woman posing as a journalist from Chandigarh and associated with a leading news channel approached Jat, seeking information that was classified in nature. After a few conversations over calls and texts, Jat allegedly began passing on information to the woman.
After a few months, a man posing as a journalist from the same news channel started receiving information from him.
Jat’s activities were under the scanner for weeks, following which he was transferred to Delhi just days before the Pahalgam terror attack.