Gujarat ATS Arrests Health Worker for Alleged Espionage Ties to Pakistan

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 28-year-old health worker from the border district of Kutch, uncovering an alleged espionage network linked to Pakistani intelligence. This marks the third high-profile spy arrest in Gujarat in just eight months, raising concerns among national security agencies.

Health Worker Accused of Leaking Military Data

The accused, Sahdevsinh Deepubha Gohil, was identified as a multipurpose health worker at the Mata-na-Madh Primary Health Centre. He was detained after investigators discovered he had allegedly shared classified photographs and videos of Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Navy installations with a handler operating under the alias ‘Aditi Bharadwaj’ — an alias used by a Pakistani intelligence agent.

Spies Used WhatsApp to Exfiltrate Data

According to ATS officials, Gohil came into contact with ‘Aditi Bharadwaj’ via WhatsApp around June or July 2023. He was then systematically groomed to leak sensitive information, including images of under-construction and newly completed military facilities in Kutch. The investigation revealed that Gohil had also procured a new SIM card using his Aadhaar ID in January 2ity, activated WhatsApp, and handed the device to the handler.

Payments and Surveillance Highlight Security Risks

Investigations suggest Gohil was paid Rs 40,000 in cash through an intermediary for his services to the foreign agency. The arrest followed a coordinated surveillance operation that combined technical intelligence with human sources, with corroboration from central intelligence agencies. Gohil was detained on May 1 and formally arrested after evidence of sustained communication and data transmission was uncovered.

Pattern of Espionage in Gujarat Raises Concerns

The ATS arrest is part of a broader pattern of espionage incidents in Gujarat, with three such cases reported in the past eight months. Security experts warn that the increasing frequency of these cases highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has also prompted calls for enhanced cybersecurity protocols and more rigorous background checks for individuals in sensitive roles.

What Happens Next?

As the case moves forward, authorities are expected to conduct further inquiries into the extent of the espionage network and its potential links to other individuals or groups. The case also underscores the importance of vigilance in border regions, where security threats can emerge from unexpected sources.

Authorities have not yet released details about the next steps in the investigation, but they have emphasized the seriousness of the case and the potential consequences for those involved in espionage activities.