Ravindra Verma, a 27-year-old mechanical engineer from Thane, Maharashtra, finds himself at the center of an espionage case, accused of sharing sensitive information with a Pakistani intelligence operative (PIO). The case highlights the increasing use of social media and "honey-trapping" techniques by foreign intelligence agencies to obtain classified data. Verma, a resident of Kalwa, Thane, was employed as a junior engineer in a defence technology firm, giving him access to the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, a critical defense installation.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Verma on May 29, 2025, after receiving information about his alleged involvement in espionage activities. According to officials, Verma had been in contact with the PIO since November 2024. The ATS alleges that Verma was "honey-trapped" by the operative, who posed as a woman named 'Payal Sharma' and 'Ispreet' on Facebook. These individuals initially claimed to be working on a project requiring information about warships. The conversations then moved to WhatsApp, where the operative allegedly lured Verma into sharing sensitive information.
Verma is accused of sharing details about warships and submarines, including sketches, diagrams, and audio notes, with the PIO. In return for this information, he allegedly received money from various bank accounts both in India and abroad. The ATS is currently investigating these financial transactions. The probe revealed that the woman used Indian phone numbers, registered with fake identities across Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, to contact Verma.
During the investigation, it emerged that Verma's mother had grown suspicious of his interactions with 'Jasprit' and had even reprimanded her during a phone call. Despite the ATS's claims, Verma's lawyer, Rajhans Girase, has argued that there is no concrete evidence linking him to Pakistan and that his arrest was illegal, alleging that the ATS did not follow proper legal guidelines. Rupali Shinde, another of Verma's lawyers, pointed out inconsistencies in the ATS's account, particularly regarding the identity of the woman who contacted Verma.
On June 5, 2025, a Thane court remanded Verma to 14-day judicial custody. The court's decision came after his initial police remand ended and the police did not press for further remand. Meanwhile, a Delhi court extended the police custody of two individuals arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, highlighting a broader network of espionage activities.
The ATS is awaiting forensic reports that could provide further insights into the case. They are also examining Verma's mobile phones and other gadgets used to share information. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe it could reveal a larger network of individuals involved in espionage activities. The ATS maintains that Verma shared the information knowingly and intentionally and that the investigation is on the right track to uncover the broader network involved.
