New Delhi:
A younger couple from Delhi was arrested for being a part of an alleged espionage community linked to Pakistan’s intelligence company, the ISI. In keeping with the Delhi Particular Cell’s Northern Vary, each accused had been in touch with and dealing for Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) through social media since 2024.
The accused have been recognized as Mohammad Sahil and his spouse, Samira. Police mentioned that other than offering logistical help to their handlers in Pakistan, the couple bought Indian SIM playing cards and despatched them to Pakistan through Dubai, which have been then utilized by Pakistani operatives to assemble delicate info inside India.
Contact With Pakistani Agent Through Instagram
In keeping with the Particular Cell, Sahil got here into contact with a Pakistani agent on Instagram in 2024 by way of a good friend. Throughout this time, he additionally met Samira, whom he later married. Police mentioned that this Pakistani agent launched the couple to a Pakistani intelligence operative.
The Pakistani handler regularly gained their belief and persuaded them to work for an espionage community towards India. Police say they have been lured with the promise of cash in change for these actions.
In keeping with the investigation, Sahil and Samira despatched eight Indian SIM playing cards to Pakistan between 2024 and 2025. In change, Pakistani handlers paid them Rs 30,000.
Police mentioned WhatsApp accounts have been activated on these numbers after reaching Pakistan. Pakistani operatives used these numbers to infiltrate Indian WhatsApp teams and collect info. Makes an attempt have been additionally made to contact Indians by way of these numbers to extract delicate info.
Interrogation revealed that Sahil had been tasked with recruiting people to conduct reconnaissance of cantonment areas throughout numerous components of India. He was additionally assigned the duty of gathering info on Military personnel and officers whose court-martial instances have been pending earlier than the tribunal.
Aside from gathering info, Sahil was additionally chargeable for recruiting extra folks into the community and getting ready them for area operations.
Arrest, Spouse’s Position
Sahil was arrested in Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan space. Samira was arrested after her involvement was revealed following Sahil’s interrogation. Police mentioned Samira performed a vital half in procuring the Indian SIM playing cards.
Police mentioned that forensic evaluation of each their cellphones revealed WhatsApp chats and different communications involving Sahil, Samira, and the Pakistani handlers.
Intelligence operatives primarily based in Pakistan have been working the community by way of their contacts and native people in India. Social media and encrypted communication platforms have been used to keep up contact and concern directions.
The Particular Cell mentioned that this operation has revealed essential info concerning the communication and operational strategies shared between Pakistan-based handlers and their ‘overground employees’ or sleeper cells in India.
In keeping with the Particular Cell, well timed intervention has halted the community’s actions. Investigative companies at the moment are working to find out what number of different people are linked to this module, determine the Pakistani handlers, and verify the roles performed by different associates in India.
The Couple
Born in 2001, Sahil pursued a BA diploma by way of IGNOU and labored with a lawyer whereas getting ready for an LLB course. He resigned from his job in June 2025 and remained unemployed till his arrest. He met Samira in 2022, they usually later married.
Samira, born in 2005, accomplished her education in Delhi and pursued a BA diploma through correspondence. Earlier than her arrest, she was employed at a name centre in Noida.
