In a concerning case of espionage, Punjab Police have apprehended a 15-year-old boy from Pathankot for allegedly leaking sensitive information related to India's national security to hostile Pakistani agencies. The juvenile, identified as Sanjeev Kumar, is accused of sharing details with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), terror outfits, and military officers.
How Social Media Became a Trap
According to senior police officials, the teenager was systematically targeted and manipulated by Pakistani handlers operating on social media platforms. SSP Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon revealed that the boy's emotional vulnerability was exploited. "He fell into the trap of Pakistani agencies through social media, as he was suspicious that his father had been murdered, which affected him mentally," Dhillon stated. However, subsequent police investigation found no evidence to support his belief about his father's death.
Nature of the Alleged Espionage
The police investigation indicates that Sanjeev Kumar had been in contact with Pakistan-based entities for nearly a year. His alleged activities included:
- Sending videos of several sensitive and strategic locations to his handlers.
- Maintaining communication with gangsters based in Pakistan who are known to operate terror modules.
- Supplying information to frontal organisations of terror agencies and Pakistani military officers.
The arrest was made on Tuesday after police received specific intelligence about his activities. Authorities are now deeply investigating the extent of the information compromised and mapping his entire network of contacts.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
The juvenile is currently in police custody. SSP Dhillon confirmed that further legal action will be determined based on the findings of the ongoing probe. The case highlights the growing trend of adversarial nations using digital platforms to target and radicalize vulnerable youth in India. It serves as a stark warning about the sophisticated psychological operations run across borders.
This incident underscores the critical need for cyber awareness, especially among younger demographics who are increasingly active online. The Punjab Police have reiterated their vigilance in monitoring such threats to national security.
