CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Arrested for Espionage; NIA Conducts Extensive Raids Across Eight States

In a major breach of national security, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Motiram Jat, on charges of espionage. The officer allegedly passed sensitive and classified information to Pakistani intelligence agencies. This arrest has set off a wide-ranging investigation, including coordinated raids across multiple states in India, aimed at dismantling an espionage network believed to have operated undetected for several years.

Police personnel stand guard at the Red Fort, amid tight security in the wake of tension between India and Pakistan, in New Delhi, Friday, May 9, 2025. PTI | Firstpost

Details of the Arrest and Espionage Activities

Motiram Jat, who was posted with the 116th battalion of the CRPF, was taken into custody on May 27, 2025. The NIA alleges that Jat provided classified information that could potentially jeopardize India's internal security. Sources within the investigation reveal that Jat was reportedly lured into espionage through a honey-trap operation conducted by handlers linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His activities are believed to have started as early as 2023.

The sensitive information allegedly leaked by Jat reportedly included operational details of Indian security deployments, which could compromise anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions. This revelation has sent shockwaves through India’s paramilitary forces, raising questions about insider threats and the vulnerabilities within the security apparatus.

NIA’s Nationwide Raids: A Coordinated Crackdown

Following the arrest, the NIA executed an extensive series of raids at 15 locations across eight states—Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and West Bengal. These raids targeted suspected collaborators, safe houses, and communication nodes that might have been used to facilitate the espionage network.

Investigators seized electronic devices, documents, and other materials that are expected to provide further evidence about the scale of the operation and other persons involved. The NIA’s rapid response and coordination between central and state agencies have been praised as a model for tackling complex national security threats.

Financial Links and the Role of Kolkata Travel Agent

During the investigation, the NIA uncovered suspicious financial transactions linked to the espionage activities. One key development was the questioning of Mohammad Masood Alam, a travel agent in Kolkata, who was found to have facilitated suspicious money transfers through a third-party payment app between November 2024 and January 2025.

Alam’s shop was reportedly used to move funds that helped sustain the espionage activities, possibly funding Jat’s operations or paying intermediaries. The NIA also detained a hotel guard in the Topsia area of Kolkata, suspecting that the hotel was used as a cover or meeting point for operatives involved in this network.

National Security Implications and Insider Threats

The arrest has exposed critical gaps in security protocols within the CRPF and paramilitary forces, highlighting the risk of insider threats. Experts warn that foreign intelligence agencies, especially Pakistan’s ISI, have intensified their efforts to infiltrate Indian security forces to gain an upper hand in regional conflicts.

Officials are reviewing existing vetting and monitoring processes for security personnel. The incident also comes at a time when India faces multiple internal and external security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency in border states, and cyber espionage.

Government and Security Agencies’ Response

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to strengthen intelligence gathering, counterintelligence, and security checks within paramilitary forces. Enhanced background verification, continuous surveillance, and counter-espionage trainings are being fast-tracked to mitigate such risks.

Several top officials have called for greater inter-agency cooperation to detect and dismantle espionage rings before they can cause irreparable damage. The NIA, with its specialized mandate, will continue to lead the investigation and pursue all leads.

Wider Context: Espionage Challenges in South Asia

India and Pakistan have a long history of espionage and counter-espionage, reflecting their complex geopolitical rivalry. Past incidents involving infiltration of Indian forces and intelligence leaks have often resulted in heightened tensions and policy shifts.

In recent years, the Indian government has also focused on enhancing cyber intelligence capabilities, as espionage has increasingly moved into the digital realm. This case serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by human intelligence (HUMINT) operations, alongside emerging technological challenges.

Conclusion

The arrest of CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Motiram Jat for espionage marks a serious breach in India's national security framework. The swift and extensive raids by the NIA across eight states reflect the gravity of the situation and the Indian government's commitment to rooting out threats from within. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying other possible collaborators and reinforcing security protocols to prevent such infiltrations in the future.

(Sources: Firstpost, NDTV, Times of India)