The recently released web series ‘Salaakaar’s has created a buzz in India. The show is inspired by a real covert mission of India’s intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) in the 1970s, known as Operation Kahuta. The mission aimed to uncover Pakistan’s secret nuclear weapons program.
Pakistan’s Nuclear Ambition After India’s Test
India’s first nuclear test, ‘Smiling Buddha’ in 1974, shook the entire Asian region. Inspired by this, Pakistan decided to develop its own nuclear weapons. Under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, known as the father of Pakistan’s nuclear program, a secret uranium enrichment plant was set up in Kahuta near Rawalpindi.
The facility was under heavy guard by the Pakistani Army and ISI, making infiltration nearly impossible. Yet, RAW found a clever way to gather evidence.
The Secret Was Hidden in Hair
R.N. Kao, the legendary RAW chief also called “Kao-boy,” had built a strong spy network inside Pakistan. Agents discovered that nuclear scientists working at Kahuta regularly visited a local barber shop.
RAW operatives quietly began collecting strands of hair left behind after their haircuts. These hair samples were secretly sent to India and tested in laboratories. The results were shocking — traces of radiation were found in the hair, proving beyond doubt that uranium enrichment was taking place at Kahuta.
This became the strongest evidence of Pakistan’s nuclear program. Reports also suggest that Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad cooperated with RAW, as Israel feared that Pakistan’s so-called “Islamic bomb” could one day threaten the Middle East.
A Political Blunder that Ended the Mission
Armed with this evidence, RAW presented its findings to then Prime Minister Morarji Desai. India had a real chance to stop Pakistan’s nuclear project.
But the mission collapsed due to a grave political mistake. During an international summit, Morarji Desai allegedly told Pakistan’s President General Zia-ul-Haq that India was aware of their nuclear activities and could stop them anytime.
This careless disclosure alerted Pakistan. General Zia quickly ordered a crackdown, and RAW’s spy network inside Pakistan was dismantled. Many Indian operatives were caught or eliminated, bringing Operation Kahuta to a tragic end.
A Lost Opportunity in Indian Espionage
Operation Kahuta is still remembered as one of RAW’s most daring and ingenious missions. While it succeeded in gathering undeniable proof of Pakistan’s nuclear program, a political slip cost India a historic opportunity to stop its neighbour’s nuclear ambitions.