Rajasthan govt employee and former assistant to ex-minister detained on spying charges
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – May 29, 2025
In a startling development, security agencies detained a Rajasthan government employee on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Authorities identified the man as Shakur Khan Mangaliya, who worked at the District Employment Office in Jaisalmer.
Khan earlier served as the personal assistant to former Congress minister Shale Mohammad, which added a political twist to the case. Both men come from the same village near the Pakistan border.
Suspicious Visits and Contacts Raise Red Flags
Khan made six to seven trips to Pakistan in recent years. He failed to obtain permission from his department, violating official protocols. During questioning, he could not provide a convincing explanation for the visits.
Investigators checked his mobile phone and found several Pakistani numbers. He could not explain how or why those contacts were there. Officials suspect he shared sensitive information across the border, although no classified documents have been recovered so far.
Deleted Data and Financial Scrutiny
Authorities discovered that Khan deleted multiple files and messages before his arrest. Forensic experts are now trying to recover the data. They believe some of it may hold clues about his activities.
Investigators are also reviewing his financial records. They are checking for foreign transactions, hidden assets, or suspicious payments that might link him to espionage. Officials want to know whether he received money or favors in return for sharing information.
Political Ties Spark Controversy
Khan’s past connection with former minister Shale Mohammad has stirred political tension. Though no evidence links the ex-minister to the case, their association has raised eyebrows. Shale Mohammad responded by saying, “Let the law take its course. I have nothing to do with this.”
Opposition parties, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have demanded a probe into possible political involvement. BJP leaders have urged the government to tighten security and monitor employees more closely.
No Direct Link Yet, but Security Risks Loom
Officials say it is too early to link any political leader directly to the espionage case. However, they admit the matter is serious. Even low-level employees can access useful administrative details.
A senior intelligence officer explained that such details, while not top-secret, can still aid foreign operatives. “Data like troop movement schedules, security deployments, or internal planning updates can be damaging in the wrong hands,” he said.
Operation Sindoor and Ongoing Crackdown
Khan’s arrest is part of “Operation Sindoor,” a national campaign to root out espionage networks. Authorities launched the operation after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.
So far, officials have arrested at least ten people in the operation. This includes a CRPF personnel and a travel vlogger accused of sharing photos of strategic sites. Khan’s case is among the most sensitive because of his government position and political background.
Concern Grows in Jaisalmer and Border Areas
The news has unsettled people in Jaisalmer. Residents expressed shock, with some defending Khan as a helpful community figure. Others said the case highlights gaps in internal security.
Local leaders urged calm and asked citizens to wait for the investigation to unfold. “We cannot judge based on early reports,” one council member said. “Let the evidence speak.”
Rising Threat of Espionage in the Digital Age
Experts say cases like this underline a growing challenge. Spying no longer depends only on physical files or classified maps. Now, even simple data sent via messaging apps can pose a threat.
“Anyone with access to emails, memos, or staff movement logs can become a soft target,” said retired intelligence officer Rajan Malhotra. “The enemy doesn’t always need a top officer. Even a clerk can be useful.”
He added that foreign agencies often lure people through money, fake online profiles, or blackmail. This makes digital surveillance and employee vetting more important than ever.
Government Response and Next Steps
Khan remains in custody and faces continued interrogation. Investigators want to uncover the full extent of his actions and identify any partners. Agencies are also reviewing other employees in sensitive roles, especially in border districts.
The Rajasthan government is expected to revise travel rules and internal surveillance protocols. Officials may introduce new screening steps for employees with frequent travel or unusual financial activity.
Meanwhile, intelligence units are tracking his call records and online activity. They hope to find patterns or connections that lead to others in the network.
Conclusion
The arrest of Shakur Khan has brought national attention to the risks of internal leaks and digital espionage. His government role and political background make the case even more serious. As agencies dig deeper, the case could expose gaps in India’s internal security, especially in vulnerable regions like Rajasthan’s western border.
The coming days may reveal more about the people and networks behind this shocking incident. For now, the focus remains on data recovery, interrogation, and preventing further security breaches.
