The Delhi Police Special Cell has uncovered an alleged Pakistan-backed espionage network and arrested a Delhi-based couple accused of working with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) since 2024, officials said.
The accused, identified as 25-year-old Sahil and his 21-year-old wife Sameera, allegedly maintained contact with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives and helped obtain information considered sensitive to India’s security, according to investigators.
Police said their probe has revealed a network with connections extending from Delhi to Karachi and Islamabad, with alleged Pakistani handlers reportedly transferring money to the couple in exchange for assistance.
Couple Allegedly Sent 8 Indian SIM Cards to Pakistan
One of the major findings in the investigation concerns the alleged supply of Indian mobile SIM cards to Pakistan.
According to the Special Cell, Sahil and Sameera obtained eight Indian SIM cards between 2024 and 2025 and allegedly sent them to Pakistan through Dubai.
Investigators said the couple was allegedly paid ₹30,000 for supplying the SIM cards.
Police suspect the SIM cards were subsequently used to activate WhatsApp accounts in Pakistan. The accounts were allegedly operated by Pakistani intelligence personnel to communicate with individuals in India and obtain information.
Some of these WhatsApp accounts were also allegedly used to gain entry into Indian WhatsApp groups, where attempts were reportedly made to collect sensitive information.
Investigation Finds Links With Sleeper Cells
The police investigation has also allegedly uncovered communication between Pakistan-based handlers and individuals in India, including suspected overground workers and sleeper cells.
According to officials, social media platforms and encrypted communication services were allegedly used to maintain contact and coordinate activities.
Investigators believe the network was involved in more than simply exchanging information, with alleged attempts to establish contacts and provide logistical assistance inside India.
Sahil Allegedly Conducted Reconnaissance of Military Areas
Police have alleged that Sahil was assigned to conduct reconnaissance of cantonments and military areas in different parts of India.
Investigators further suspect that he was involved in identifying and recruiting individuals who could assist the network in espionage-related and field operations.
The Special Cell also alleged that Sahil supplied information concerning Army personnel facing court-martial proceedings before a tribunal.
According to police, these findings indicate that the alleged network was interested in sensitive defence-related information and military activities.
Instagram Allegedly Became Entry Point Into Network
The investigation reportedly began to take shape after police arrested Sahil, son of Mohammad Asfaq, from Chand Bibi Camp in Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi.
A forensic examination of his mobile phone allegedly revealed conversations with Pakistan-based agents. Investigators subsequently followed the digital trail and identified his wife’s alleged involvement.
Sameera was later arrested, and police said her phone contained WhatsApp conversations involving Sahil and Pakistani handlers.
According to investigators, Sahil allegedly first established contact with a Pakistani agent through Instagram in 2024. Police said the connection was facilitated through Sameera, whom Sahil had reportedly met in 2022 before the couple married.
The agent allegedly introduced them to another Pakistani intelligence operative. Police claim the operative subsequently persuaded the couple to work for the network by offering financial incentives.
The couple was allegedly assigned logistical responsibilities in Delhi and was also asked to help identify and recruit additional people for espionage and field-related activities.
Two Phones Seized During Investigation
Police said two mobile phones were recovered from the accused.
According to investigators, the devices allegedly contained conversations with Pakistani intelligence operatives, along with information relating to contacts and activities associated with the suspected network in India.
Officials said the digital evidence is being examined as part of the wider investigation into the alleged espionage operation.
Who Are Sahil and Sameera?
Police said Sahil was born in 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in Delhi.
He had previously worked with a lawyer and was reportedly planning to study for an LLB. According to police, Sahil left his job in June 2025 and had remained unemployed thereafter.
Sameera, born in 2005, completed her Class 12 education at Kanya Vidyalaya in Keshav Puram and later obtained a BA degree through correspondence.
Before her arrest, she was reportedly employed at a call centre in Noida.
How Police Traced the Alleged Network
The Special Cell reportedly launched the investigation after receiving information about alleged logistical assistance being provided to terrorist organisations, their overground workers and sleeper cells.
During the probe, investigators allegedly identified local individuals who were helping the network obtain Indian SIM cards and establish communication channels between Pakistan-based handlers and contacts in India.
Police said the arrests of Sahil and Sameera have provided investigators with important leads regarding the alleged Pakistan-based intelligence operation and its network of contacts within India.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining the alleged communication channels, financial transactions, contacts and the possible involvement of other individuals.
