Leaked Defence Info, Sent SIM Cards To Pakistan: Delhi Couple Arrested For Spying For ISI, Probe On

Last Updated:August 28, 2026, 11:47 IST

Sahil (25) and his wife, Sameera (21), were arrested after being accused of leaking sensitive information related to India’s defence to Pakistan

Delhi Police busts Pakistan-based ISI network in Delhi

A couple from Delhi has been arrested by the Special Cell on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) since 2024. According to police, they were recruited into the espionage network for logistical support.

A team of the Special Cell, Northern Range, led by Inspector Anuj Nautiyal and Chandan Kumar, under the supervision of ACP Rahul Kumar Singh, busted the Pakistani intelligence operative (PIO) network engaged in espionage against India, investigators told CNN-News18.

According to police, Sahil (25) and his wife, Sameera (21), were arrested after being accused of leaking sensitive information related to India’s defence to Pakistan. Forensic analysis of the accused’s mobile phone revealed incriminating chats with Pakistani agents.

In 2024, Sahil came in contact with a Pakistani agent on Instagram through his friend, Sameera, whom he eventually got married to. The agent then introduced Sahil and Sameera to a Pakistani intelligence operative (PIO), who convinced the couple to work for the espionage network in exchange for financial gains.

The duo was asked to extend logistic support to PIO network in Delhi and recruit more individuals for espionage and field operations. In 2024 and 2025, Sahil and Sameera allegedly sent eight Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Dubai for which they were paid Rs 30,000 by Pakistani handlers, police told CNN-News18.

Police said WhatsApp accounts were then activated on these numbers to allow Pakistan and PIOs to enter some Indian WhatsApp groups for gathering information. These WhatsApp accounts were used by PIOs to approach Indians to collect sensitive information.

Sahil Tasked To Recruit More Individuals

Police told CNN-News18 that Sahil was assigned the task to recruit more individuals for reconnaissance of Cantonment areas at different locations in India and provide details of Army Personnel whose Court Martial proceedings are pending before Tribunal.

Interrogation of Sahil led to the arrest of his wife Sameera for playing more important role in providing SIM Cards to Pakistani entities. Incriminating conversations including WhatsApp chats between the couple and Pakistani handlers were found in the forensic analysis of their mobile phones.

Two mobile phones were recovered from the possession of the accused.

Their arrest subsequently busted the modus operandi of the Pakistani Intelligence Operatives and provided crucial insights into the structure and functioning of the module. The operation uncovered significant details about Pak-based handlers and the method they used to coordinate with the over-ground workers and sleeper cells through encrypted communication platforms.

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Could more individuals be involved in this network?

The Delhi couple arrested for spying was asked to recruit more individuals for espionage and field operations. Investigations into alleged ISI-linked networks have uncovered connections stretching from Rajasthan and Punjab to Delhi, and also to West Bengal. Several individuals have been arrested in connection with other ISI-linked networks in Delhi, Punjab, and Kolkata.

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About the Author

Anvit Srivastava

Anvit Srivastava, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, covers crime, security, policing and society in Delhi. His impactful ground reports have helped him make his mark among the select credited jou…Read More

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