ISI’s new surveillance tactic relies on dhabas

Indian security agencies have unravelled what appears to be a new espionage strategy of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), involving the use of ordinary highway eateries (dhabas ), restaurants and small roadside outlets as covert surveillance points. These establishments are allegedly being leveraged by the ISI conduits to monitor sensitive military movements, troop deployments and critical logistics along key highways.

This tactic comes amid a series of recent counter-espionage successes. Few weeks ago, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell busted an ISI-linked inter-State espionage, terror and arms module, arresting 11 individuals across multiple States for reconnaissance of defence installations and radicalisation activities.

Security agencies believe ISI’s goal is not only real-time monitoring but also building a database for potential future operations including coordinated attacks or disruptions. According to a senior intelligence official, “New modus operandi relies on mixing into civilian life. Highway-side dhabas and local shops are common features along India’s extensive road networks and these serve as ideal cover for long-term intelligence gathering. Most of these locations are equipped with CCTV systems to capture live data on military convoys, vehicle movements and strategic installations.