Thane Man Caught Sharing Secrets with Pakistani Agent; More Arrests Across India in Ongoing Spy Crackdown
Thane Man Caught Sharing Secrets with Pakistani Agent; More Arrests Across India in Ongoing Spy Crackdown
A man from Thane has been arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for allegedly leaking sensitive information to a Pakistani intelligence agent, marking a significant development in an ongoing national crackdown on espionage.
The suspect, employed by a prominent organisation in Mumbai, is believed to have been ensnared in a “honey-trap” — a tactic where intelligence agents pose as women online to emotionally manipulate their targets. Officials say he was communicating with the Pakistani agent through Facebook and later shared confidential details via WhatsApp between November 2024 and March 2025.
Acting on specific intelligence, the Thane ATS detained the man along with two others. Following interrogation, only the primary suspect was booked under stringent national security laws, including charges related to the unlawful sharing of classified information and conspiracy.
This arrest is part of a larger, coordinated operation known as Operation Sindoor, launched in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Since then, security agencies have intensified their efforts to dismantle spy networks operating within India.
In May 2025 alone, at least 13 individuals across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have been arrested. Those detained come from diverse backgrounds — ranging from students and businessmen to social media influencers and government employees. Investigators say most were deceived through fake social media profiles offering romantic relationships or money in exchange for information.
Among the most high-profile arrests is that of Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana who had a substantial online following. She is suspected of maintaining regular contact with an official from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and allegedly passing on confidential details.
Another major case involves Moti Ram Jat, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan based in Delhi, who is believed to have shared internal security data with Pakistani handlers since 2023.
Additional arrests include a Rajasthan government employee, a trader from Uttar Pradesh, and others who are accused of engaging in illegal activities such as smuggling or covert communication with foreign agents.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of this espionage network and determine how many more individuals may be involved.
Authorities are urging heightened vigilance, particularly among personnel in defence and government roles, and advising extreme caution when engaging with unknown individuals online. Officials stress that even seemingly trivial information shared over social media can be exploited for serious threats to national security.
