Haryana espionage suspect says Pakistan 'paid him to click photos' of Sirsa airbase

NEW DELHI: In a significant counter-intelligence operation, Haryana Police apprehended a man accused of espionage on behalf of Pakistan, marking the second such arrest in Nuh district within 48 hours.

The suspect, identified as Mohammad Tarif, a resident of Kangarka village in the Taoru police station area, has reportedly made a revealing video statement admitting to key espionage activities, including a task to photograph and film the sensitive Sirsa airbase, as reported by ANI.

In the video, he details his repeated interactions with Pakistani officials, his trips to Pakistan, and how he was allegedly recruited by personnel from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.

"I went to the Pakistan Embassy in 2018 for my visa," Tarif said. "A Pakistani officer interviewed me, took my number, and later asked me to provide two new SIM cards in exchange for a visa." He claimed that after submitting the SIMs, the officer granted him the visa, and a transactional relationship began to unfold.

Tarif went on to allege that after his return from Pakistan, the same official contacted him again, urging him to refer others for visas in exchange for cash. Over time, Tarif claims to have introduced 8-10 people for this purpose.

In another revelation, Tarif said, "He called me in 2024 and said, 'you have work here; come to the Pakistan embassy.'" During this meeting, Tarif was introduced to another Pakistani official named Jafar. "He said I may get transferred soon, so get in touch with Jafar," Tarif added.

Then, he added that Jafar asked him to visit the strategic Sirsa airbase, photograph it, and send the visuals. "He said, you have to do something for us and we'll pay you in lakhs," Tarif claimed in his statement.

Law enforcement officials have since seized Tarif’s mobile phone and placed him under extended police custody for further interrogation. Authorities have filed charges under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and relevant sedition provisions against Tarif, as well as two Pakistan High Commission officials- Asif Baloch and Jafar.

This arrest follows the earlier detention of Armaan, another resident of Nuh’s Rajaka village, on similar charges. Additionally, several others, including Jyoti Malhotra from Hisar, have also been arrested in recent weeks for alleged espionage-related activities and contacts with Pakistani nationals.