Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 29: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a Thane resident on charges of spying for Pakistan after he allegedly shared sensitive information with a Pakistani intelligence operative who had honey-trapped him via social media.

According to senior officials, the accused—whose identity remains undisclosed—was employed with a key organisation in Mumbai. He was reportedly lured into a relationship on Facebook by a woman, who was later confirmed to be a Pakistani intelligence agent. The alleged communication continued over WhatsApp, during which the accused is believed to have sent classified information about a strategic installation in Mumbai between November 2024 and March 2025.

The arrest followed a tip-off, leading the Thane unit of ATS to detain the suspect along with two other individuals. After preliminary questioning, the main accused was formally arrested under Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act—which pertains to espionage—and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with criminal conspiracy. The other two were released after an initial inquiry.

Officials confirmed that the case is being handled with utmost seriousness, given the national security implications. A further investigation is ongoing to trace the extent of the information breach and determine if additional persons were involved in the network.