The Untold Story of Ajit Doval: India's Covert Operations in Pakistan

There exists an Indian who openly warns Pakistan about seizing Balochistan in retaliation for another Mumbai attack. This individual is a spy who spent seven years in Lahore, posing as a Muslim, dedicated to safeguarding his nation. During the 1980s, a man roamed through some of Pakistan's most sensitive regions, donning a cap, a beard, and traditional attire, while fluently speaking Urdu. He prayed in mosques, visited madrasas, and met with ISI officials, passing by military installations without raising any suspicion. To everyone around him, he appeared to be one of their own. However, he was neither Pakistani nor a Muslim; he was Ajit Kumar Doval, a young man from a middle-class Hindu family and an officer of India's Intelligence Bureau. For the next seven years, he would remain on enemy territory, eavesdropping on their deepest conspiracies and stealing their most guarded secrets without them ever realizing it. This narrative is not a fictional script.

Ajit Doval was born on January 20, 1945, in a Garhwali Rajput family in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. His father, Major Gunananad Doval, served in the Indian Army, and patriotism was ingrained in their household. It was not taught; it was simply felt. From a young age, Doval was known for his sharp intellect and reserved nature. He excelled academically but was more interested in understanding people than in books. The 1980s were perilous for India, as Pakistan's dictator, General Zia-ul-Haq, initiated an undeclared war against the country. The ISI fueled the Khalistan movement in Punjab, providing arms, funds, and training. Terrorists infiltrated India from across the border. Following Operation Blue Star in 1984 and the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Punjab was engulfed in flames, and separatist sentiments began to ignite in Kashmir. Indian intelligence agencies were aware of Pakistan's involvement but needed evidence from within its borders, directly from their bases and in their own words. This task could not be accomplished by satellites; it required a human presence on Pakistani soil.

They needed someone who could convincingly live as a Pakistani, attend prayers in mosques, and speak fluent Urdu without raising suspicion. This individual had to remain unbreakable under pressure and, if captured, erase their true identity before facing death. The Intelligence Bureau considered several names, but Ajit Doval consistently emerged as the ideal candidate due to his unique qualifications for the mission. His command of Urdu was exceptional, and his facial features allowed him to easily pass as a Pashtun or Punjabi Muslim. He possessed a profound understanding of Islam, including prayers, fasting, and Quranic verses, which was not merely rote knowledge but a deep comprehension that would withstand scrutiny. Most importantly, Doval was fearless; he had previously demonstrated his courage by living among insurgents in the jungles of Mizoram. Preparations for the mission began months in advance, including crafting a completely new identity for Doval, complete with a new name, background, and story. The details were so thorough that he could answer questions about his grandfather or provide directions to his village.

Ajit Doval crossed the Indian border and set foot on Pakistani soil, marking the beginning of a seven-year-long operation. For 2,555 days, or 61,320 hours, he lived under the constant threat of capture and death. Doval resided in Pakistan as a Muslim, attending mosques, participating in Friday prayers, and observing Ramadan. He mingled with locals, sharing tea and conversations, all while extracting invaluable intelligence for India's security. However, this was far from easy; every neighborhood in Pakistan had ISI informants ready to report any suspicious activity. Doval had to remain vigilant at all times. A single mistake, a mispronounced word, or an incorrect tone could end his mission. If any IB agent were caught in Pakistan, the Indian government would deny any association, leaving them without support or diplomatic recourse.