A 34-year-old man from Rajasthan has been apprehended by the Delhi Police Special Cell on charges of espionage, allegedly directed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Kasim, a resident of Bharatpur district, was arrested on Thursday, May 29, 2025, for his involvement in supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).
The investigation began in September 2024 when intelligence inputs revealed that Indian mobile numbers were being used by PIOs for espionage activities. These SIM cards were reportedly being smuggled into Pakistan with the help of Indian citizens. Kasim's name surfaced during the investigation, leading to the discovery of his travel history and connections with ISI personnel.
According to police reports, Kasim had visited Pakistan twice, once in August 2024 and again in March 2025, staying there for approximately 90 days in total. During these visits, he allegedly met with ISI operatives and received training in espionage, including methods for gathering and transmitting sensitive information and establishing secure communication channels with ISI handlers.
The supplied SIM cards were used by PIOs on WhatsApp to contact Indian citizens and extract classified information related to the Indian Army and other government establishments. Kasim's actions are believed to have posed a significant threat to national security, prompting a high-priority investigation by intelligence agencies to uncover the full extent of the espionage network.
Kasim, who is reportedly a Muslim cleric, was in contact with his handler in Pakistan through encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms. He is also suspected of radicalizing several individuals in India, suggesting a wider network of potential collaborators. His brother, also suspected of working for the ISI, is currently absconding.
Following his arrest, Kasim was presented before a Delhi court and remanded to police custody for further interrogation. Initial questioning revealed that he was instructed by his handlers to gather and transmit photographs and information regarding sensitive Indian defense installations in Rajasthan, including troop movements and artillery placements.
The arrest comes amid "Operation Sindoor," India's covert offensive launched on May 7 in Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Further investigation is underway to identify other Indian associates involved in the conspiracy and to dismantle the entire espionage network.
