The real-life world of espionage is far more intense, cruel, and often heartbreaking. Such was the story of Ravindra Kaushik. Popularly known as Black Tiger, he was sent to Pakistan in November 1975 when he was just 23 years old. Born on 11 April 1952 in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, he grew up listening to stories of animosity and war between India and Pakistan. He completed his B.Com from S. D. Bihani P. G. College, Sri Ganganagar, and loved performing in theatre.
Various reports suggest he came into contact with officials from R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing). However, one report claims it was his theatrical skills that caught their attention, leading to his recruitment as an undercover agent. He underwent two years of rigorous training by R&AW before embarking on the mission for Project X. R&AW is India’s foreign intelligence agency.
For the longest time, his family believed he was in Delhi doing a regular job. Since he was to enter Pakistan as an undercover agent for India, his training involved becoming proficient in Urdu and the religious practices of Islam. He also underwent circumcision and took over the identity of Nabi Ahmed Shakir. His Indian identity was completely erased, and he became a resident of Islamabad. Kaushik, now Shakir, enrolled at Karachi University and pursued an LLB. He eventually secured a clerical job in the Pakistani Army.
"The material that flowed from this office was a goldmine for the agency. From his position in Pakistan’s military accounts service, Kaushik was able to report on the movements of military units, the postings of key officers, and even the movements of trains with war material," writes Praveen Swami for The Print. Between 1979 and 1983, he even married a Pakistani woman named Amanat Nabi and had children with her. His work was flawless, and no one, not even his wife, suspected he was from India.
However, his luck ran out, and his status as an Indian spy was eventually revealed by Pakistani counter-intelligence. Since records and information about spies aren't maintained, there is limited information available about Kaushik. There are differing accounts of how his identity was uncovered. One report claims that another agent, named Inyat Masih, was sent by R&AW and was caught by the Joint Counter-Intelligence Bureau of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Another report suggests that, because Kaushik had no relatives in Pakistan, the agency began keeping a close watch on him.
Kaushik was arrested and sentenced to death in 1985, but this was later commuted to life imprisonment by Pakistan's Supreme Court. He was tortured for years at the detention centre in Sialkot. After 16 years in prison, he died in Pakistan’s Mianwali prison. He wasn't given any recognition for his services.
His story has been the inspiration for various books and films.