Delhi Police’s Special Cell has arrested a couple from the city for their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, including supplying Indian SIM cards that were reportedly used by Pakistan-linked handlers to activate WhatsApp accounts and carry out espionage-related operations.
The accused have been identified as 25-year-old Mohammed Sahil and his 21-year-old wife, Sameera, who works as a BPO executive.
According to police, teams had been developing intelligence on sleeper cells and logistical networks allegedly providing support to foreign intelligence operatives in the region.
“Using technical surveillance, a team led by ACP (Northern Range) Rahul zeroed down on the accused,” DCP Narra Chaitanya said.
Investigators found that the alleged espionage arrangement began in 2024, when Sameera was reportedly approached by Pakistan-linked handlers. Police said she introduced her husband to a Pakistani contact on Instagram. The contact later connected the couple with a senior intelligence operative, who allegedly recruited them with promises of regular financial payments in return for logistical and operational assistance.
Between 2024 and 2025, the couple allegedly procured eight Indian SIM cards and sent them to Pakistan via Dubai. Police said they were paid Rs 30,000 for the transaction.
The SIM cards were subsequently used by Pakistan-based handlers to activate WhatsApp accounts. According to investigators, the accounts allowed foreign operatives to enter sensitive Indian WhatsApp groups and approach local residents while posing under false identities. They allegedly attempted to obtain confidential information relating to the military and national security.
Police further alleged that Sahil, a BA graduate from IGNOU who lives in Sarai Kale Khan, was instructed to recruit people for physical reconnaissance around various army cantonment areas in India.
Sahil, who married Sameera in 2022, has reportedly been unemployed recently. Investigators also alleged that he was assigned to collect confidential information about military personnel facing pending court-martial proceedings before tribunals.
Sameera, who works at a call centre in Noida, allegedly played a key role in arranging the procurement and movement of the SIM cards.
Police said Sahil’s interrogation following his arrest led investigators to Sameera. Officers subsequently seized two mobile phones from the couple. The devices reportedly contained extensive forensic evidence, including WhatsApp conversations that allegedly linked the accused to their foreign handlers.
Officials said the investigation has provided important information about the communication methods and recruitment strategies allegedly used by foreign intelligence handlers operating in India.
The couple was produced before a court and remanded for further interrogation. Police are continuing efforts to identify and trace the foreign handlers allegedly involved in the network.
