Delhi Couple Accused of Scouting Army Cantonments for ISI

New Delhi: A young Delhi couple allegedly recruited by a Pakistan-based intelligence operative through social media was primarily tasked with conducting reconnaissance of cantonment areas across India and collecting details of defence personnel facing court-martial proceedings. The couple also allegedly procured Indian SIM cards and sent them to Pakistan through Dubai.

The arrests came weeks ahead of the high-profile BRICS summit in New Delhi.

Mohammad Sahil, 25, and his wife Sameera, 21, were arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell for allegedly working for an ISI-backed Pakistani intelligence network, recruiting sleeper operatives and providing logistical support to Pakistan-based handlers.

The arrests followed intelligence inputs about the recruitment of sleeper cells and logistical support being provided to Pakistani operatives in Delhi-NCR, officials said.

According to deputy commissioner of police (Special Cell) Narra Chaitanya, Sahil came in contact with a Pakistani agent on Instagram in 2024 through Sameera, whom he later married. The agent subsequently introduced the couple to a Pakistani intelligence operative (PIO), who allegedly cultivated them and persuaded them to work for the network in return for money.

“The couple was asked to extend logistical support to the PIO network in Delhi and recruit more individuals for espionage and field operations,” police said.

As part of the alleged operation, Sahil and Sameera sent eight Indian SIM cards to Pakistan through Dubai in 2024 and 2025 and received Rs 30,000 from their Pakistani handlers, police said. WhatsApp accounts were activated on the numbers in Pakistan, after which the PIOs allegedly used them to enter Indian WhatsApp groups and gather information.

Police said the accounts were also used by Pakistani operatives to approach Indians and collect sensitive information.

Sahil was allegedly given the additional task of recruiting people to conduct reconnaissance of cantonment areas at different locations in India. He was also asked to provide details of Army personnel whose court-martial proceedings were pending before tribunals.

The Special Cell began developing the intelligence after receiving information about the suspected network. Sahil was arrested first, and a forensic examination of his mobile phone allegedly revealed incriminating conversations with Pakistani intelligence operatives. His interrogation subsequently led police to Sameera.

Two mobile phones allegedly used by the couple have been recovered. Their forensic examination allegedly revealed chats and other conversations with Pakistani handlers.

Investigators are now examining the network’s modus operandi, including its use of social media and encrypted communication platforms. Police are also trying to identify others allegedly recruited by the couple and determine the extent of sensitive information that may have been shared with Pakistan-based operatives.

Sahil, who completed his BA from Indira Gandhi National Open University, worked with a lawyer while preparing to pursue an LLB. He left the job in June 2025 and had been unemployed since then.

His father, Mohammad Asfaq, moved to Delhi from Badaun in Uttar Pradesh in 1982 and settled in Sarai Kale Khan, where he works as a car mechanic. Sahil has an elder sister and a younger brother.

Sameera completed her BA through correspondence and was working at a call centre in Noida before her arrest.

The Special Cell is continuing efforts to identify other local operatives allegedly linked to the network and establish the nature and extent of information that may have been shared with Pakistan-based handlers.

Further investigation is underway.