(Reported By KJ Srivatsan)
A major political storm has erupted in Rajasthan after the arrest of government officer Shakur Khan from Jaisalmer for spying for Pakistan. The state government has not only intensified the investigation into the cases registered against him but has also ordered a probe into the role of former cabinet minister Saleh Mohammad.
Shakur Khan was presented before the CJM Court in Jaipur on Tuesday, where he was sent to 7-day police remand. He faces serious charges under sections of sedition, espionage, and the Official Secrets Act of 1923. Shakur Khan, who was posted as Assistant Administrative Officer at the Jaisalmer District Employment Office, has made several shocking revelations following his arrest.
Strong Ties With Pakistani Embassy, Links To ISI
Investigations have revealed that Shakur Khan, a resident of Mangaliya Ki Dhani, Jaisalmer, was in direct contact with Pakistani embassy officials Ahsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish and Sohail Qamar. He visited the embassy several times, held personal meetings, and with their help, obtained a Pakistani visa and traveled to Pakistan seven times.
According to police, during these visits, Shakur established contact with ISI agents and, after returning, shared information about Indian military movements and sent videos and pictures of religious sites using a stolen iPhone. This information was sent to Pakistan via WhatsApp calls and messages.
Three Major Allegations:
1. Sharing intelligence with officials of the Pakistan High Commission and being involved in a conspiracy to send other Indian citizens to Pakistan.
2. Sending videos and photos of Indian Army activities and religious sites to ISI using a stolen iPhone; maintaining direct contact with 13 ISI agents.
3. Traveling to Pakistan seven times without official permission while being a government officer.
A case has been registered against Shakur Khan under non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS Sections 282, 294) and Section 238B of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1923.
Lawyers Protest During Court Appearance
When Shakur was presented in court, lawyers staged a protest. They chanted slogans like “Down with Pakistan” and declared that no lawyer would represent a traitor accused of espionage.
Pressure Mounts on Congress, Saleh Mohammad Under Investigation
Since Shakur Khan had previously served as the personal secretary to Congress leader and former minister Saleh Mohammad and had also traveled abroad with him, the matter has now started to affect the Congress party as well. State Minister Avinash Gehlot stated clearly that Saleh Mohammad’s role will be thoroughly investigated. He also questioned the Congress’s silence on the issue.
Congress Attempts Damage Control, But Questions Remain
Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully issued a statement saying that if a leader’s personal assistant is involved in a crime, the leader cannot be held directly responsible. They demanded a fair investigation but also said the government should show the same urgency as it did in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case.
Ex-IPS Officer Pankaj Chaudhary’s Allegations: Suspicions Since 2013
Another name that has surfaced in this matter is that of former IPS officer Pankaj Chaudhary. He claimed that in 2013, when he was the SP of Jaisalmer, he had registered a case against Saleh Mohammad and opened a history sheet on his father, Ghazi Faqir. He was transferred shortly after that. He alleged that intelligence agencies had been watching this family with suspicion since that time.
What Next?
The biggest question now before the investigation agencies is whether Shakur Khan was working alone or if there is a larger network behind him. Was he using his political connections to aid in espionage? These questions are expected to be addressed during the upcoming 7-day interrogation.
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