Colonel Arrested Over Espionage and Forgery Allegations
Solan, Himachal Pradesh – Police in Himachal Pradesh have arrested a senior Indian Army officer in connection with an espionage case linked to the Dagshai cantonment in Solan district.
The officer, identified as Colonel Abhay Pisal from Dehradun, faces allegations of forging multiple identities and establishing possible connections with Pakistani intelligence during his tenure as a Lieutenant Colonel. His arrest followed months of surveillance and internal investigations by defense authorities.
Authorities say Pisal had been under suspension for nearly 20 months after irregularities surfaced in 2023. His conduct had drawn scrutiny from military intelligence, raising red flags about potential breaches of national security.
Complaint and Discovery of Fake Identities
The case began with a formal complaint lodged on July 6 at Dharampur police station by a fellow Army officer from the same unit. According to the complaint, Pisal possessed counterfeit identity documents, including Aadhaar, PAN, ration cards, and a driving license under false names such as “Tahir Mustafa” and “Vijay Singh.”
Investigators revealed that Pisal had allegedly created duplicate government-issued identity cards with identical numbers but different names. Among the items seized were standard identity cards and even a forged armed forces ID card.
Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed that the authenticity of these documents is under verification. The scale of forgery suggests deliberate planning, and authorities are investigating whether these identities were used to facilitate espionage-related activities.
Recovery of Firearms and Forged Papers
During the search operation, officials recovered an unlicensed 12-bore single-barrel shotgun from Pisal’s possession. The weapon had no visible serial number or manufacturer details, complicating efforts to trace its origin.
Police have registered cases under IPC Sections 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of valuable documents), and 468 (forgery for cheating), along with Section 25 of the Arms Act for illegal possession of arms.
The absence of serial numbers on the seized firearm has further deepened concerns about whether Pisal had access to illegal weapons networks. Authorities are also probing how he obtained the forged documents and whether external handlers were involved.
Court Custody and Ongoing Probe
Pisal, originally from Satara district in Maharashtra, was apprehended on Tuesday in Dehradun following a coordinated police operation. He was brought to Himachal Pradesh and produced before a local court on Wednesday. The court remanded him to three days of police custody for further questioning.
Police sources say the investigation will focus on tracking his communication history, financial transactions, and movements during his suspension period. Defense intelligence units are also assisting in evaluating the extent of potential information leaks from Dagshai cantonment.
National Security Concerns
The arrest has raised serious concerns about security protocols within sensitive military zones. Dagshai cantonment, one of the oldest British-era garrisons in India, houses key training and operational units.
The fact that a serving officer allegedly used multiple fake identities has alarmed officials, as it may point to larger loopholes in document verification systems. Moreover, suspicions of his ties with foreign intelligence make this case particularly sensitive.
While officials have not yet confirmed direct espionage charges, the forged identities and illegal weapon possession suggest a potential compromise of internal security. Authorities are expected to share their findings with higher defense authorities in Delhi once the investigation progresses.
What Lies Ahead
As the case unfolds, investigators are likely to examine whether Pisal acted alone or was part of a larger network. His suspension period will also come under deeper review to establish if any unauthorized activities were carried out during that time.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the need for stricter internal checks within the armed forces to prevent misuse of position and sensitive access. For now, police remain focused on piecing together the puzzle of forged identities, firearms, and possible espionage links.