Home min alerts defence on ‘spy ring’ as ISI targets ex-servicemen

The home ministry has alerted the defence ministry about an alleged spy ring being run by Pakistan’s ISI, which is trying to use ex-servicemen in the garb of providing job opportunities and financial aid.

The Union home ministry has alerted the ministry of defence about Pakistani spy agency ISI’s efforts to trap exservicemen in the garb of providing job opportunities and financial aid for spying.

The warning came amid an ongoing probe into a spy ring involving a leading aircraft man with the Indian Air Force posted at Bhatinda. (PTI Photo)

On the basis of intelligence inputs generated and recent busting of the ISI spy ring, the home ministry has conveyed to the defence ministry that a fake organisation of ex-servicemen was formed in north India which promised job opportunities and money to the former soldiers.

“Initially, the outfit helped few ex-servicemen but gradually showed interest in getting information about various defence installations,” said a security official requesting anonymity.

The promoters of ISI even asked some former soldiers to get in touch with their serving colleagues and try to gather information about field formation, raising suspicion among the ex-servicemen.

The government had informed Parliament in the winter session that in the last three years, 34 people have been arrested on charges of spying for the ISI. They include around a dozen serving and retired armed forces personnel and one paramilitary man.