Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 28: The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an alleged espionage network backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and arrested a Delhi-based couple accused of spying for Pakistan since 2024.
The accused have been identified as Sahil, 25, and his wife Sameera, 21. According to police, the couple was allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives and helped them obtain sensitive information related to India.
Police said their investigation revealed links extending from Delhi to Karachi and Islamabad, with the Pakistani handlers allegedly providing money to the couple.
The couple allegedly obtained eight Indian SIM cards and sent them to Pakistan through Dubai between 2024 and 2025. Police said they were paid Rs 30,000 for the SIM cards, which were subsequently used to activate WhatsApp accounts in Pakistan.
According to investigators, the accounts were used by Pakistani intelligence operatives to communicate with people in India and gather sensitive information. Some of the accounts were also allegedly used to join Indian WhatsApp groups to obtain information.
Police further alleged that Sahil was tasked with conducting reconnaissance of cantonment areas in different parts of India and recruiting individuals for espionage and field operations. He also allegedly provided information concerning Army personnel facing court-martial proceedings before a tribunal.
The investigation began after the Special Cell received information about logistical support allegedly being provided to terrorist organisations, their overground workers and sleeper cells.
Police first arrested Sahil from Chand Bibi Camp in Sarai Kale Khan. Forensic examination of his mobile phone allegedly revealed conversations with Pakistani agents. Investigators subsequently traced Sameera's alleged involvement and arrested her.
Police said Sahil had first come into contact with a Pakistani agent through Instagram in 2024, with Sameera allegedly facilitating the contact. The couple, who had met in 2022 and later married, were subsequently introduced to a Pakistani intelligence operative who allegedly persuaded them to work for the network in return for financial benefits.
The couple was also allegedly involved in providing logistical assistance in Delhi and recruiting others for espionage-related activities.
Two mobile phones were recovered from the accused, police said. The devices allegedly contained conversations with Pakistani intelligence operatives and information relating to their contacts and activities in India.
Sahil, born in 2001, holds a BA degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He had worked with a lawyer and was planning to pursue an LLB before leaving his job in June 2025. Sameera, born in 2005, completed Class 12 at Kanya Vidyalaya in Keshav Puram and later obtained a BA through correspondence. She was working at a call centre in Noida before her arrest.
The Delhi Police Special Cell said the arrests have provided crucial leads regarding the Pakistan-based intelligence network and its alleged contacts in India.