Alleged ‘RAW Spy’ Was Tutored by Pakistan in Video, Suggests MEA

In a new video released by Pakistan’s Dawn News, the Indian arrested in Pakistan made explosive claims against RAW.

Kulbhushan Jadhav is shown to be a Commander in the Indian Navy in the video. (Photo: YouTube/DawnNews)

A video released by Pakistan’s Dawn News shows Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian who was arrested in Balochistan, making explosive claims about his association with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Jadhav has claimed that the Indian intelligence agency RAW is involved in separatist activities in Balochistan.

Jadhav has claimed that the Indian authorities have funded activities which constitute as terrorism in Balochistan.

He claimed that he was working for Anil Kumar Gupta, the joint secretary of RAW and Gupta’s contacts in Balochistan.

I was picked up by RAW in 2013 end. Ever since I have been directing various activities in Balochistan and Karachi at the behest of RAW and deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. 

<b>Kulbhushan Jadhav, Indian Arrested in Pakistan</b>

Jadhav said that initially he had a business in Chhabar in Iran which required him to travel to Karachi frequently. Since he was able to travel to Pakistan without being detected, the RAW had picked him up, he claimed.

Jadhav also claimed,

• My cover name was Hussain Mubarik Patel. I was picked up by the RAW in 2013.
  
• I was trying to cross over to Pakistan from Iran in my pursuits for RAW. The aim of this cross-over was to hold meetings with BSN (Balochistan separatists) personnel.
  
• I was there to discuss the activities the separatists were supposed to undertake and take back a message to the Indian authorities.
  
• Some of these activities were criminal in nature and led to killing or maiming of Pakistani citizens. These operations were carried out in order to destabilise Pakistan.
• Part of my job was also to ensure smooth transport through the Iran-Pakistan border.

• I am an officer with the Indian Navy and will retire in 2022. I was in the National Defence Academy in 1987 and joined the Indian Navy in 1991.
  
• RAW has funded the Baloch liberation movement through various means.
  

MEA Denies Jadhav’s Claims

The Ministry of External Affairs has denied the claims made by Jadhav in the video. The MEA has also questioned the authenticity of the video in an official statement.

The video has this individual making statements which have no basis in fact. That the individual claims to make the statements of his own free will not only challenge credulity but clearly indicates tutoring. The government categorically rejects allegations that this individual was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan at our behest.

MEA Statement

The statement further hints at the possibility of harassment and possible abduction of Jadhav from Iran.

Our enquiries reveal that he apparently was being harassed while operating a legitimate business from Iran. While we probe this aspect further, his presence now in Pakistan raises questions, including the possibility of his abduction from Iran.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement that Jadhav is a defence veteran also stands in contradiction with Jadhav’s claim that he currently an Indian Navy officer.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s during the inauguration of Defence Expo 2016 at the Naqueri plateau in south Goa on Monday, 28 March 2016. (Photo: IANS)

He is an ex-navy officer, other than paying him OROP (One Rank One Pension) pension, I cannot do anything. We have indicated to the MEA that the ex-officer must be given all assistance required. Sushma <i>Ji </i>has been working vigorously to help Indians abroad who are in trouble. In this case, since the other country has made allegations, it may take a longer time.

<b>Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister</b>

In addition to these contradictions, the government has also raised the issue of a request to gain consular access to Jadhav being unanswered by the Pakistan government. The statement reads:

It is also relevant to note here that despite our request, we have not been given consular access to an Indian national under detention in a foreign country, as is the accepted international practice. We are naturally concerned about his well-being in these circumstances...This (abduction and torture) would become clear only if we are given consular access to him and we urge the Government of Pakistan to respond immediately to our request.

According to the video, Jadhav has said that he is “revealing” all this information because he understands that he has landed himself in a mess.

The moment I realised my cover was compromised I revealed I was a naval officer. The perception of the Pakistani side then changed and treated me honourably and with respect.

In an opinion piece for The Quint, former RAW officer Amar Bhushan writes,

“Their shoddy homework will soon get exposed as they agree to give the Indian high commission consular access to Jadhav or allow Indian investigators to interrogate him along with their Pakistani counterparts. That Islamabad would concede for either is highly unlikely.”