Pakistani spy brought to Jaisalmer for area verification

Jaisalmer: Alleged Pakistani spy Mushtaq Ali, arrested from the Nachna region of Jaisalmer for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, was brought to Jaisalmer Friday for area verification during his five-day police remand.Mushtaq, arrested under the Official Secrets Act, was taken to several locations in and around Jaisalmer that investigators believe were used to gather and transmit information to his handlers across the border. Officials said he was escorted to sites from where he allegedly sent photographs and videos through mobile applications to ISI operatives.During interrogation, Mushtaq admitted that his handler had tasked him with recruiting new agents in border districts, including Barmer, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar.

He reportedly told investigators that he found the assignment difficult as he had no contacts in those areas.A special team from the Rajasthan Intelligence Agency, led by Special police station station house officer Vinod Meena, arrived in Jaisalmer with the accused Thursday night. The team questioned several people suspected of having been in contact with him and conducted searches at multiple locations.Investigators also took Mushtaq to the outskirts of the Jaisalmer Military Station, where he allegedly recorded and shared videos of the area with his ISI handler.

On Friday, he was escorted to strategic locations in the Nachna sector, including roads, water points and infrastructure facilities about which he allegedly passed information.The team conducted a nearly two-hour search at Mushtaq's residence in Hingolo Ki Dhani near Jaisalmer. Authorities did not disclose whether any incriminating material was recovered. A shop allegedly built by the accused on govt land near the Bharewala route, close to the international border was also searched.Sources said investigators examined financial transactions linked to individuals whose bank accounts allegedly received funds from the ISI at Mushtaq's instructions. DVRs containing CCTV footage from a border-area location were also seized for examination.During questioning, Mushtaq reportedly claimed he had blocked his handler's number several times due to mounting pressure but resumed contact after persuasion from relatives living in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. Further investigation is ongoing.