New Delhi — Delhi Police’s Special Cell has arrested a Nepalese citizen, who is accused of spying by sending Indian SIM cards to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. Police say this action is a serious revelation in matters related to national security.
Arrest and Allegations
The arrested accused, 43-year-old Pramod Kumar Chaurasia, is accused of using his Aadhaar card to buy 16 SIM cards and sending 11 of them to Nepal. These SIM cards were later allegedly delivered to ISI agents. According to police, the accused came into contact with ISI through Kathmandu.
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Network of Espionage
Police officials said that Chaurasia, using social media and digital media, was not only sending SIM cards across the border but also providing sensitive information to the intelligence agency. Investigation also revealed that he was lured with the opportunity to study journalism and go to America.
Background
Pramod Kumar Chaurasia is originally a resident of Bihar and had gone to Nepal for studies. He studied computer hardware and networking. Later, he worked in private companies in Pune, Latur, Solapur, and Delhi, but in 2017, his company shut down. After this, he allegedly came into contact with ISI.
Police Action
Delhi Police has registered a case against him under the Indian Penal Code and the Official Secrets Act. Officers say that connections with foreign intelligence agencies and money transactions are also being investigated.
Expert Opinion
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh says this case is a sign of a serious threat to India’s digital and national security.
He said, “In today’s times, espionage is not limited only to documents or physical information. Through mobile SIM cards and digital identity, enemy agencies not only gain access to India’s cyber structure, but also carry out activities like terrorism and money laundering through fake calls and messaging.”
He further said, “Sending Indian SIM cards abroad through Nepal and other neighbouring countries is an organised strategy. This makes it easier for enemy agencies to operate from within India, because calls and transactions appear local. To deal with such cases, it is necessary to further tighten the digital SIM card registry and ensure international cooperation.”