Delhi Police Busts ISI Sleeper Cell: Nepali Agent Among Two Arrested in Major Espionage Crackdown
New Delhi — In a high-stakes covert operation that spanned three months, Delhi Police, in coordination with central intelligence agencies, successfully busted a sleeper cell of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and arrested two agents, including a Nepali national trained in Pakistan. The operation, conducted between January and March 2025, culminated in the arrest and chargesheeting of the suspects in May, with both now lodged in Tihar Jail.
Intelligence-Led Operation Unmasks Espionage Network
According to official sources, the operation was initiated after inputs indicated the presence of foreign-backed intelligence operatives in Delhi. One of the suspects, identified as Ansarul Mian Ansari, a Nepali citizen, was arrested while attempting to travel to Pakistan.
Following his arrest, Delhi Police recovered classified documents related to Indian armed forces in his possession. Investigations revealed that Ansari was instructed by the ISI to digitize the confidential information and send it to handlers in Pakistan via a compact disc (CD).
Trained in Pakistan, Deployed via Nepal
Interrogations uncovered Ansari’s detailed backstory: previously a cab driver in Qatar, he came into contact with an ISI handler while working abroad. He was subsequently flown to Pakistan, where he received espionage training under senior ISI officials. After training, Ansari re-entered India via Nepal, a route frequently exploited for covert operations due to porous borders.
Sources confirmed that the ISI operatives chose Delhi as the operation base, highlighting the strategic sensitivity of the national capital and the magnitude of the threat.
Ranchi Arrest Follows Crucial Intel from Ansari
Ansari’s interrogation yielded critical information, leading to the arrest of another individual in Ranchi, believed to be a co-conspirator or operative assisting in the surveillance and document transmission.
Officials indicated that both suspects were in continuous communication with Pakistani handlers, using encrypted channels and digital tools to evade detection.
Growing Concerns Over Foreign Espionage Rings in India
The ISI sleeper cell bust comes amid growing concerns over increased cross-border intelligence activities, with Indian authorities heightening surveillance in border regions and urban centers. In recent weeks, several cases have emerged, including the arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra from Hisar, Haryana, who was allegedly sharing sensitive content with a Pakistani national.
Cyber experts and intelligence officers are now emphasizing the need for stronger counter-intelligence infrastructure, especially as digital espionage tactics become more sophisticated.
National Security Agencies on High Alert
Central intelligence agencies are reportedly working with Delhi Police to trace the wider network that may be operating under similar sleeper cells across multiple Indian cities. A senior official noted:
“This case underlines the evolving nature of ISI operations in India. We’re seeing increased use of foreign nationals and digital communication to circumvent traditional surveillance methods.”
Officials are also evaluating Nepal as a key transit route and may push for bilateral cooperation to curb such movements.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed
The chargesheet filed in May 2025 includes serious charges under the Official Secrets Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and sections of the Indian Penal Code related to national security and espionage.
If convicted, the accused face long-term imprisonment and a possible life sentence, given the severity of the crimes.