In a major national security breach, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Moti Ram Jat, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs) since 2023.
Jat, who was posted with the 116th battalion in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, until recently, was arrested from Delhi just days after being transferred—ironically, five days before the April 22 terror attack in which 26 civilians lost their lives.
Honeytrap Operation and Espionage Trail
According to officials, Jat was ensnared through a honeytrap, initiated by a woman pretending to be a Chandigarh-based news reporter from a reputed TV news channel. Initially, she asked him to share minor details under the pretense of journalism. But the operation escalated when a Pakistani male intelligence officer, posing as a colleague journalist from the same outlet, took over communication.
Jat reportedly began sharing classified documents and updates, including:
- The itinerary of Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his J&K visit post-attack,
- Closure of 50 tourist sites due to heightened security threats,
- Detailed troop movement and strength of CRPF units.
While some of the data he shared was already in the public domain, officials note that other information was highly sensitive and classified, potentially endangering lives and operations.
Financial Transactions and Arrest
According to Report, Jat was paid ₹3,500 monthly and a one-time ₹12,000 incentive for vital inputs. The money was funneled into both his and his wife’s accounts.
Suspicious online activity triggered an internal probe by the CRPF, which eventually led to Jat’s dismissal and handover to the NIA. He was arrested in Delhi and has been remanded to NIA custody until June 6.
Official Statement and Wider Implications
“He was actively involved in espionage activity and had been sharing classified information related to national security with PIOs since 2023. Funds were routed through multiple conduits,” said an NIA spokesperson.
The agency is now probing the broader espionage network, examining whether other security personnel may have been compromised or similarly approached.
This incident has raised serious concerns within Indian intelligence and defence circles, coming amid heightened tensions and attacks in sensitive border regions. The NIA is expected to intensify counter-intelligence measures and is reportedly tracking the digital footprint of the fake journalists used by PIOs.
