A state government employee in Rajasthan, Sakur Khan Mangaliyar, has been apprehended on suspicion of espionage activities for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest, which occurred in Jaisalmer, follows a broader crackdown on espionage networks across the country, particularly in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
Mangaliyar, who was employed with the state's employment department, was taken into custody by a joint team comprising the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and intelligence agencies from his office. He is expected to be transferred to Jaipur for further interrogation. Authorities are also investigating a possible connection between Mangaliyar and a senior Congress politician from the border region, although security agencies have not commented on these potential political links. Sources indicate that Mangaliyar previously served as a personal assistant to a Congress functionary during the previous Congress-led state government.
According to reports, Mangaliyar, a resident of Mangaliya's Dhani in Baroda village near the Pakistan border, had been under surveillance for several weeks. Investigators discovered multiple Pakistani phone numbers on his mobile device, which he could not adequately explain. Furthermore, he admitted to having traveled to Pakistan at least seven times in recent years, raising further concerns.
SP Sudhir Chaudhary stated that the investigation was initiated following alerts from "higher headquarters" regarding suspicious activities. While no military-related photos or videos were found on his phone, officials noted that several files had been deleted. Additionally, two bank accounts under his name are currently under scrutiny.
Intelligence sources have revealed potential links between Mangaliyar and an official in Pakistan's embassy, suggesting possible coordination with ISI handlers. His detention is part of a series of arrests across Punjab and Haryana related to spying for Pakistan. Since May 7, coinciding with India's launch of Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, at least seven suspects have been arrested in espionage-related cases in these two states.
This arrest is not an isolated incident. In a separate case earlier this month, Rajasthan Intelligence arrested Pathan Khan, a resident of Jaisalmer, for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI. Authorities stated that Pathan Khan had visited Pakistan in 2013 and established contact with officers of the Pakistani intelligence agency. He was reportedly lured with money and received training in espionage.
These incidents highlight the persistent threat of cross-border intelligence operations and the critical need for vigilance in India's border regions. The investigation into Mangaliyar's activities is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more details as they emerge.
