In a concerning development for national security, a 30-year-old man identified as Jivan Khan, a resident of the Sankada area in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, has been detained on suspicion of espionage for Pakistan. This marks the fourth such case in Jaisalmer this month, raising alarms about a possible pattern of intelligence breaches in the strategically sensitive border region 1 2 3 4.
Arrest and Initial Investigation
Jivan Khan was apprehended by Military Intelligence (MI) personnel on August 19, after he attempted to re-enter an Army station in Jaisalmer. Khan had previously worked at a restaurant located within the military area, which gave him access to sensitive zones. His behavior at the gate raised suspicions, prompting MI officials to inspect his mobile phone. The device reportedly contained suspicious activity, leading to his immediate detention12.
Following his arrest, Khan was handed over to the Kotwali police and is expected to be presented before the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC), where multiple security agencies will conduct further questioning. During preliminary interrogation, Khan allegedly admitted to having relatives in Pakistan, a detail that has intensified scrutiny over his connections and motives34.
Broader Espionage Concerns in Jaisalmer
This incident is part of a disturbing trend in Jaisalmer. On August 13, another individual, Mahendra Prasad, a contractual manager at the DRDO guest house near the Chandan Field Firing Range, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI. Prasad, a resident of Almora in Uttarakhand, was reportedly in contact with Pakistani handlers via social media and was suspected of passing on sensitive information about the movement of DRDO scientists and Army officers involved in missile and weapons testing 1 2 4.
Security Measures and Official Response
Authorities have responded by intensifying surveillance across border districts and instructing local businesses, especially those operating near military zones, to conduct police verification of their employees and contractors. Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare confirmed that Khan had worked as a cook and was currently employed at a hotel. He emphasized the need for private contractors to cooperate with security agencies in vetting personnel4.
Implications
The repeated arrests in Jaisalmer suggest a larger espionage network may be operating in the region, exploiting civilian roles within or near military installations. The involvement of individuals with access to sensitive areas and their connections to Pakistan highlight the urgent need for robust counterintelligence measures.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the extent of the espionage activities and preventing further breaches that could compromise national security.
