Rajasthan farmer held for sharing OTP to activate Indian SIM in Pakistan; link to Shahzad Bhatti gang under probe

Jaipur, July 28 (IANS) A farmer from Rajasthan’s Bikaner district has been arrested for allegedly sharing the One-Time Password (OTP) needed to activate an Indian mobile SIM card, which was allegedly later used in Pakistan by an operative linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti gang.

The arrest followed Intelligence inputs received by the Jaipur Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from security agencies.

Speaking to IANS, Bajju Station House Officer (SHO) Chandravir Singh said the accused, identified as Anil Kumar Bishnoi, a farmer from Gaudu village under the Bajju police station limits, allegedly shared the OTP on July 17 to activate an Indian SIM card.

“The investigation revealed that the SIM was subsequently activated and used in Pakistan. Based on the evidence collected so far, a case has been registered against the accused under relevant legal provisions,” the SHO said.

According to SHO Chandravir Singh, the accused was allegedly contacted by Ujjer, an operative associated with the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti gang.

Police claim the operative persuaded the farmer to arrange an Indian SIM card and share the OTP required for its activation.

Investigators suspect the SIM may have been used for illegal activities in Pakistan. Preliminary findings also indicate links between the Shahzad Bhatti gang and organisations involved in terrorist activities, making the case a matter of national security.

The SHO said the arrest was made after the Jaipur ATS shared Intelligence with the Bikaner Police.

Acting under the direction of Bikaner Superintendent of Police Mridul Kachhawa, and under the supervision of senior officers, a Bajju police team conducted the operation and arrested the accused.

Police are now probing whether the farmer had earlier shared Indian SIM cards, OTPs, or any other information with individuals based in Pakistan.

The accused is being interrogated, and investigators are working to determine whether the case is part of a larger cross-border network.

–IANS

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