Delhi couple arrested for ‘Pakistan espionage links’, spoke to agent on Instagram

“The Pakistani ‘agent’ introduced Sahil and Sameera to a Pakistani intelligence operative (PIO). Gradually, the PIO convinced them to work for the PIO network,” said DCP (Special Cell) Nara Chaitanya.

Police said the couple was allegedly tasked with arranging Indian SIM cards for use by ISI-linked men to engage Indians.

“In 2024 and 2025, Sahil and Sameera sent eight Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Dubai for which they were paid Rs 30,000 by Pakistani handlers. WhatsApp accounts were activated on these numbers in Pakistan… These accounts were used by PIOs to approach Indians to collect sensitive information,” said the DCP.

Police said with the help of the accounts, PIOs joined Indian WhatsApp groups and approached Indians for information.

Police also alleged that the couple would recce cantonment areas in India and look for names of Army personnel who have been court marshalled or were facing cases with the Army Tribunal. They were allegedly also told to “recruit” operatives like them.

The Special Cell claimed it got a tip-off about certain WhatsApp numbers being used from Pakistan to get in touch with people in Delhi. Police said it had received information about the alleged network operating in Delhi-NCR and developed the intelligence before identifying its local members.

Delhi couple arrested for alleged espionage

They traced the source of these SIM cards, which led them to Sahil. He was arrested from his house in Nizammudin.

“Based on information provided by Sahil, we arrested his wife. We are tracking other people they might have recruited,” said an officer.

Police said Sameera allegedly played a key role in procuring and providing the Indian SIM cards to the Pakistan-based operatives.

“Incriminating conversations, including WhatsApp chats between Sahil, Sameera and Pakistani handlers were found during forensic analysis of their mobile phones. Pakistan-based handlers usually coordinate with over-ground workers/sleeper cells through encrypted communication platforms,” said the DCP.

Police said they recovered two mobile phones allegedly used in the conspiracy. Forensic examination of the devices allegedly revealed chats and other incriminating conversations between the couple and their Pakistani handlers.

Sahil, who completed his BA from Indira Gandhi National Open University, had worked with a lawyer while planning to pursue an LLB but had been unemployed since June 2025. Sameera, a BA graduate who completed her Class 12 in Delhi, was working at a call centre.