New Delhi: A young Delhi-based couple, accused of working for Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) through social media since 2024, have been arrested, the police said on Friday.
This happened after the Northern Range of the Delhi Police Special Cell busted an alleged ISI-backed Pakistan-based espionage module operating from the city.
The accused have been identified as Md Sahil and his wife Sameera, the police said, as reported by ANI.
The accused allegedly provided logistical support to Pakistan-based handlers, procured Indian SIM cards and sent them to Pakistan through Dubai for use by PIOs, the Special Cell said.
The couple allegedly received around Rs 30,000 for sending eight Indian SIM cards to Pakistan during 2024 and 2025, investigators have unearthed.
The investigation began after the Special Cell developed information about an alleged ISI-backed PIO network active in the Delhi-NCR region. Police said the module had recruited local individuals in Delhi to provide logistical support and procure Indian SIM cards.
These SIM cards were allegedly sent to Pakistan through Dubai, where WhatsApp accounts were activated using the Indian numbers. According to police, Pakistani operatives subsequently used these accounts to enter Indian WhatsApp groups and allegedly gather sensitive information.
Sahil, a resident of Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi, was arrested first. During forensic analysis of his mobile phone, investigators allegedly found incriminating conversations with Pakistani agents.
During interrogation, Sahil allegedly disclosed that he came into contact with a Pakistani agent on Instagram in 2024 through his friend Sameera, whom he later married. The police said the Pakistani agent subsequently introduced the couple to a PIO, who allegedly cultivated them and offered financial gains in return for working for the network.
Sahil and Sameera were allegedly tasked with extending logistical support to the PIO network and recruiting additional individuals for espionage and field operations, the police said.
Sahil was also allegedly tasked with recruiting individuals to conduct reconnaissance of cantonment areas at different locations across India. He was allegedly also involved in obtaining details concerning Army personnel whose court-martial proceedings were pending before tribunals, the Special Cell said.
Sameera was arrested for her alleged role in providing Indian SIM cards to Pakistani entities, police said, following Sahil’s interrogation.
Forensic examination of the mobile phones belonging to both accused allegedly revealed incriminating WhatsApp conversations between them and their Pakistani handlers, the Special Cell said.
The police said that two mobile phones allegedly used in the conspiracy and execution of the crime have been recovered.
Investigators are now examining the alleged network’s modus operandi, structure and functioning, including its links with local over-ground workers and sleeper cells. Police said the network allegedly coordinated with individuals in India through encrypted communication platforms.
