The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an espionage network backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and arrested a Delhi-based couple accused of working with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives since 2024.
The accused, identified as 25-year-old Sahil and his 21-year-old wife Sameera, maintained contact with Pakistani handlers and helped facilitate the collection and transmission of sensitive information concerning India, according to police.
Investigators said the trail uncovered during the probe stretches from Delhi to Pakistan, including Karachi and Islamabad, with the handlers providing financial incentives to the couple.
Indian SIM cards sent to Pakistan
According to the Special Cell, Sahil and Sameera procured eight Indian SIM cards and sent them to Pakistan through Dubai between 2024 and 2025.
Police allege that the couple received around Rs 30,000 for supplying the SIM cards. The numbers were subsequently used to activate WhatsApp accounts in Pakistan, which Pakistani intelligence operatives used to communicate with individuals in India and seek sensitive information.
Investigators further claimed that some of these WhatsApp accounts were used to join Indian groups, potentially giving the operatives access to conversations and information shared within them.
The probe has also revealed communication between Pakistan-based handlers and individuals in India described by police as overground workers and sleeper-cell members. Social media platforms and encrypted communication channels were reportedly used for these interactions.
Alleged reconnaissance of military establishments
Police have alleged that Sahil was assigned reconnaissance-related tasks involving cantonment areas in different parts of India.
Investigators also suspect that he was involved in identifying and recruiting individuals who could be used for espionage and field operations.
According to the Special Cell, the probe further indicated that Sahil supplied information concerning Army personnel facing court-martial proceedings before a tribunal.
The allegations suggest that the network was seeking information beyond routine intelligence, with investigators examining possible attempts to obtain sensitive details concerning military establishments, personnel and defence-related activities.
Instagram connection opened door to espionage network
The investigation began with Sahil’s arrest from Chand Bibi Camp in Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan area.
Police said a forensic examination of his mobile phone uncovered conversations with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives. These chats reportedly helped investigators trace Sameera’s involvement in the network.
Sameera was subsequently arrested, and police claimed that her phone contained WhatsApp conversations involving Sahil and Pakistan-based handlers.
According to investigators, Sahil first came into contact with a Pakistani agent through Instagram in 2024. Police allege that Sameera facilitated the initial connection.
The Pakistani contact subsequently introduced the couple to another operative associated with Pakistan’s intelligence network. Investigators allege that the operative persuaded them to participate by offering financial benefits.
The couple was given additional responsibilities, including providing logistical assistance to the network in Delhi and helping identify and recruit people for espionage and field operations.
Police said two mobile phones were recovered from the accused. The devices contained conversations with Pakistani intelligence operatives, along with details relating to contacts and activities associated with the network in India.
Who are Sahil and Sameera?
Sahil, born in 2001, holds a BA degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Police said he had previously worked with a lawyer and intended to pursue an LLB. He reportedly left his job in June 2025 and remained unemployed until his arrest.
Sameera, born in 2005, completed her Class 12 education at Kanya Vidyalaya in Keshav Puram before obtaining a BA through correspondence. Prior to her arrest, she was reportedly employed at a call centre in Noida.
Probe began with intelligence on logistical support
The Special Cell said the investigation was launched after receiving information about alleged logistical assistance being provided to terrorist organisations, their overground workers and sleeper cells.
During the investigation, officers allegedly identified individuals in India who were helping Pakistan-based handlers procure Indian SIM cards and establish communication channels with people in the country.
Police said the arrests of Sahil and Sameera have provided investigators with important leads into the Pakistan-based intelligence network, including its contacts and support structure in India.
The investigation is continuing, with authorities examining the couple’s alleged communications, financial transactions, contacts and the wider network through which sensitive information was purportedly sought and transmitted.
