Saharanpur to Attari Border: Pakistani Spy Iqbal Bhatti Repatriated After Serving 17-Year Sentence

Saharanpur, UP: Pakistani national Iqbal Bhatti, also known as Devaraj Sehgal, who was convicted of espionage in India, was on Monday sent to the Attari border under tight security to be handed over to Pakistani authorities. After serving a 17-year sentence and completing all legal and diplomatic formalities, the repatriation process was finalized. He is scheduled to be handed over to the Pakistani Rangers at Attari Border on Tuesday afternoon.

Arrest and Espionage Charges
Bhatti was arrested on 8 August 2008 by Punjab Police in Patiala while in possession of sensitive military maps. Investigations revealed that he had been living in Saharanpur’s Hakikat Nagar area for nearly a year under the alias Devaraj Sehgal. Using forged documents, he had obtained a voter ID, PAN card, and ration card, and even opened an account at the State Bank of India. Suspicion arose during document verification, which led to the case being registered.

Legal Proceedings and Jail Term
Bhatti was charged under Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, among other serious provisions. For security reasons, after sentencing by the Saharanpur court, he was moved to Gautam Buddh Nagar district jail, as Saharanpur jail is located near an army camp. He spent around 17 years in prison. Though he was released on 22 March 2025 after completing his sentence, he was kept in the Saharanpur Detention Centre pending deportation.

High-Security Medical Check and Transfer
On Monday morning, Bhatti underwent a medical examination at the district hospital, which was heavily guarded by police. For security reasons, the route and timing of his transfer to Attari were kept confidential. Administrative officials confirmed that all legal procedures were completed under the directions of the central government, with coordination between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Pakistani embassy.

Official Statements
ASP Manoj Yadav stated that Bhatti faced four cases at the Sadar Bazar police station and additional cases registered by Punjab Police. After his arrest, he was produced in court and sent to jail. Following the completion of his sentence and the necessary formalities, he is now being sent across the border.

Bhatti Maintains Innocence
During the medical examination, Bhatti claimed he was innocent and described the allegations as false. However, authorities maintained that all actions were taken strictly according to the court’s verdict and legal procedures. He is set to be handed over to Pakistani officials at Attari Border at 12 PM on Tuesday.