Jammu, April 9, KNT: A school van driver with authorized access to a high-security Indian Army installation in Jammu has been detained after officials discovered multiple Pakistani phone numbers saved on his mobile device during a routine security check, prompting an investigation into possible security concerns.
The individual was employed as a school van driver operating within the premises of an Army Public School located inside the military installation. Officials said he had legitimate access to the restricted zone as part of his duties transporting students.
According to officials familiar with the development, the van driver was intercepted at the B Gate of the installation while entering the premises. The interception occurred during a routine mobile phone inspection carried out by security personnel at the entry point.
“During the checking process, three Pakistani numbers were found saved in his phone under the names ‘Chacha Gujjra,’ ‘Ahmiii,’ and ‘Ali bhi’,” an official said, adding that the discovery raised immediate security concerns given the sensitive nature of the location.
The detention of an individual with authorized access to a military-controlled educational facility has triggered a detailed probe to ascertain the purpose and nature of these contacts. Officials said preliminary questioning has begun, and digital analysis of the phone is expected to form a key part of the investigation.
Authorities are examining whether the stored numbers indicate any form of communication or connection that could pose a threat to operational security. However, officials have not yet disclosed whether any active exchanges or suspicious activity have been confirmed.
The Army Public School premises, located within the installation, is considered a controlled environment with restricted civilian access. Personnel entering the zone, even for routine duties, are subject to security protocols, including identity verification and periodic checks.
Officials said the interception underscores the role of routine screening measures in identifying potential risks within high-security zones. “The matter is under investigation, and all aspects are being examined,” the official added.
No formal charges have been announced so far, and authorities have not commented on whether the van driver had any prior record or had come under scrutiny earlier.
Security agencies are likely to broaden the probe to include call detail records, communication history, and possible associations to determine whether the case involves a breach of protocol or a deeper security linkage.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. [KNT]
