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Moti Ram allegedly handed over internal deployment data, troop movement details, intelligence agency reports, and updates on counter-terror operations in Kashmir, to Pakistan
Prior to NIA’s arrest, both the CRPF and intelligence agencies subjected Moti Ram Jat to multiple rounds of questioning. (Representative image)
He wore the uniform of a soldier, posted in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, tasked with safeguarding the nation. But, CRPF sub-inspector Moti Ram Jat seemed to be instead treading a far more dangerous path, that ended in his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of espionage for Pakistan.
The story of Moti Ram’s alleged descent into espionage was reportedly orchestrated through a female agent who posed as a television journalist, revealed investigators.
The woman reportedly introduced herself as a media professional from a prominent news network in Chandigarh. Initially requesting seemingly harmless information, she developed a relationship with Moti Ram over messages and video calls, eventually gaining his trust. The CRPF personnel, unaware of the ruse, began forwarding confidential documents. Later, a man, posing as a fellow journalist from the same channel, took over communication. He was later identified as a Pakistani intelligence officer.
The NIA said that Moti Ram handed over internal deployment data, troop movement details, intelligence agency reports, and updates on counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, to the handlers. The information was often sensitive enough to pose a direct threat to national security.
He was allegedly paid Rs 3,500 each month for his services, and occasionally a bonus of Rs 12,000 for what his handlers termed “valuable” intel. These amounts were credited to his wife’s bank account, revealed NIA.
Evidence recovered from Moti Ram’s phone included screenshots of classified documents, internal reports of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), and communications indicating knowledge of the location of suspected terrorists. Shockingly, he continued to pass on these updates even after being transferred out of Pahalgam in mid-April, just five days before the terror attack on April 22.
Despite his removal, he allegedly continued to relay updates, including details about Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the region and security arrangements such as the closure of 50 tourist locations, some of which were already public, but were emphasised separately in his communication with handlers. What stood out to investigators was the naivety with which Moti Ram preserved his trail. None of the chats or exchanges had been deleted from his phone.
Security officials placed Moti Ram under surveillance for weeks before swooping in. His arrest took place in Delhi, where he had been reassigned. Prior to the NIA formally taking him into custody, both the CRPF and intelligence agencies subjected him to multiple rounds of questioning.
The case is now being heard at the Patiala House Court in Delhi. Moti Ram has been remanded to NIA custody until June 6. The agency has not ruled out the involvement of other personnel and is expanding its probe to trace any additional leaks or accomplices within the security apparatus.
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