New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an alleged Pakistan-based espionage network and arrested a young Delhi couple accused of supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistani intelligence operatives, gathering sensitive information and helping recruit people for surveillance assignments.
The accused have been identified as Mohammad Sahil, 25, and his wife Sameera, 21. Delhi Police allege that the couple had been associated with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives since 2024 after making contact through social media.
Investigators claim the network was backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and operated through encrypted communications and Indian mobile numbers that were allegedly sent across the border through Dubai.
Eight Indian SIM Cards Allegedly Sent to Pakistan
According to Delhi Police, Sahil and Sameera allegedly procured eight Indian SIM cards during 2024 and 2025 and sent them to Pakistan via Dubai.
Police said Pakistani handlers paid the couple approximately ₹30,000 for the SIM cards.
Once the cards reached Pakistan, WhatsApp accounts were allegedly activated using the Indian numbers.
Investigators say Pakistan-based intelligence operatives then used those accounts to contact people in India, enter Indian WhatsApp groups and attempt to obtain sensitive information.
Using Indian numbers could potentially make online accounts appear more familiar or credible to targets inside India, although the exact operational use of each number remains part of the investigation.
Couple Allegedly Contacted Through Instagram
Police said the alleged network began taking shape after Sameera came into contact with a Pakistani individual through Instagram.
She subsequently introduced Sahil to the contact, who allegedly connected the couple with a Pakistan-based intelligence operative.
DCP (Special Cell) Nara Chaitanya said the operative gradually persuaded the couple to work for the network by promising them financial benefits.
Police allege that the couple was then asked to provide logistical support in Delhi and assist in expanding the network.
Cantonment Areas Allegedly Targeted for Reconnaissance
The investigation goes beyond the supply of SIM cards.
Police allege that Sahil was also instructed to conduct reconnaissance of military cantonment areas at different locations in India and identify people who could potentially be recruited for field operations.
Investigators further allege that he supplied details relating to Army personnel who had faced court-martial proceedings or cases before the Armed Forces Tribunal.
The Special Cell claims Pakistani handlers were interested in obtaining sensitive information connected with Indian defence establishments and military personnel.
However, authorities have not publicly disclosed the complete nature or classification of the information allegedly transferred.
Special Cell Traced Network Through WhatsApp Numbers
The investigation reportedly began after the Special Cell received intelligence that WhatsApp numbers operating from Pakistan were being used to contact individuals in Delhi-NCR.
Police then began identifying people allegedly providing local logistical assistance to the network.
Investigators traced the source of Indian SIM cards being used from Pakistan, eventually leading them to Sahil.
He was arrested in Delhi, after which information obtained during interrogation and examination of his devices allegedly led police to Sameera.
Two Mobile Phones Recovered
Delhi Police said two mobile phones were recovered from the accused.
Forensic analysis allegedly revealed WhatsApp chats and other communications between the couple and Pakistan-based handlers.
According to investigators, the conversations contain information about the alleged espionage network and its contacts in India.
Police are now examining the devices to identify other individuals who may have communicated with or been recruited by the network.
Police Looking for Other Possible Operatives
The investigation remains active.
An officer told The Indian Express that authorities are tracing other people whom Sahil and Sameera may allegedly have recruited.
The Special Cell is examining whether the network had additional local members who assisted in obtaining SIM cards, conducting reconnaissance or communicating with Pakistan-based handlers.
Investigators are also looking at the financial trail to determine how money was transferred to people allegedly working for the network.
Who Are Sahil and Sameera?
According to police, Sahil completed a BA from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and had previously worked with a lawyer while considering pursuing an LLB.
He had reportedly been unemployed since June 2025.
Sameera completed Class 12 in Delhi and later obtained a BA through correspondence. She was working at a call centre in Noida before her arrest.
The couple had reportedly met through a family connection before marrying in 2024.
Police allege their contact with Pakistan-based operatives developed during the same period.
Digital Platforms Emerging as Espionage Concern
The case highlights how intelligence agencies can allegedly exploit common digital tools such as social media, WhatsApp and locally registered SIM cards.
Encrypted communication services can allow handlers located outside India to communicate quickly with people inside the country without traditional face-to-face contact.
Indian security agencies have increasingly warned that foreign intelligence networks may use social-media platforms to identify or cultivate individuals before moving conversations to encrypted messaging services.
The Delhi case will therefore be examined not only as a conventional espionage investigation but also as an example of alleged digitally enabled intelligence activity.
Allegations Yet to Be Tested in Court
The Special Cell has described the operation as the dismantling of an ISI-backed Pakistan-based espionage module, but the claims against Sahil and Sameera remain allegations made by investigating authorities.
The accused have not been convicted, and the evidence gathered by police will ultimately be subject to judicial scrutiny.
Investigators are continuing to analyse the recovered devices, financial transactions and alleged communication with Pakistani handlers.
The arrests may also lead to additional inquiries if police identify other individuals suspected of assisting the network.
For now, Delhi Police says the investigation has provided important leads into how Indian SIM cards and digital communication platforms were allegedly being used by Pakistan-based intelligence operatives to approach people inside India and seek sensitive defence-related information.
Source – Delhi Police Special Cell / The Indian Express / India Today
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