Sri Ganganagar | 29 Aug 2026
Rajasthan Police, working with CID Intelligence, have arrested a 45-year-old man carrying a ₹25,000 reward over an alleged Pakistan-linked SIM network in the border region of Sri Ganganagar. Police allege that Balwinder Singh alias Bindra supplied Indian SIM cards to Pakistan-based handlers and helped activate WhatsApp accounts in Pakistan using Indian mobile numbers.
Police Probe Alleged Pakistan-Linked SIM Network
Police identified the accused as Balwinder Singh alias Bindra, son of Pritam Singh and a resident of village 27-A in the Anupgarh area. Sri Ganganagar Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar Yadav said the arrest followed intelligence gathering in the border region over suspected activities involving Pakistan-based handlers.
According to police, Balwinder allegedly procured SIM cards registered to Indian citizens and facilitated their transfer to handlers across the border. Investigators allege that OTP verification was then used to activate WhatsApp accounts in Pakistan while retaining Indian mobile numbers.
Police said eight Indian SIM cards were allegedly supplied to Pakistan-based handlers. Investigators suspect the numbers were subsequently used to communicate with people in India and seek sensitive or strategic information.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
Police Register BNS Case, Examine Mobile Phone
Anupgarh Police registered Case No. 452/2026 against Balwinder under Sections 318(4), 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to police. He has been arrested and is being questioned about his alleged contacts and the wider network.
Investigators are also conducting a forensic examination of his mobile phone. Police allege that preliminary findings indicate he remained in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through WhatsApp.
The investigation is now focused on establishing how the SIM cards allegedly reached Pakistan, identifying the people who obtained or registered them and determining whether other individuals were involved.
Accused Was Wanted in Separate Heroin Smuggling Case
Police said Balwinder was already wanted in Jaitsar Police Station Case No. 102/2026, registered under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A ₹25,000 reward had been announced for information leading to his arrest in that case.
The narcotics investigation concerns the alleged cross-border smuggling of about 10.5 kg of heroin, estimated by police to be worth around ₹55 crore, after the consignment was allegedly dropped inside India using a drone from Pakistan.
Investigators are examining whether there is any connection between the alleged SIM-card operation, Pakistan-based contacts and the narcotics trafficking case. Police have not yet announced any conclusion establishing such a link.
Police Search for Other Suspected Network Members
The operation involved Anupgarh Police and CID Intelligence personnel. Police said questioning of the arrested accused and examination of digital evidence are continuing to identify other people who may have participated in the alleged network.
No conviction has been recorded against Balwinder in the Pakistan-linked SIM case, and the accusations against him remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
