A major cross-border espionage racket was busted with the arrest of Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya, a 43-year-old Nepali national, by Delhi Police on August 28. Chaurasiya procured 16 Indian SIM cards using Aadhaar credentials and smuggled them via Nepal to Pakistan’s ISI handlers.
Eleven SIMs were active on WhatsApp from locations such as Lahore and Bahawalpur, used to contact Indian Army personnel and collect sensitive defence information. The accused was lured by ISI operatives with promises of a US visa and a journalism career. Investigations continue to trace his associates and handlers.
Espionage module uncovered with deep police probe
Delhi Police’s Special Cell unearthed a sophisticated spy network involving Indian SIM cards routed to Pakistan’s ISI through Nepal. Chaurasiya, originally from Birgunj, Nepal, used Aadhaar credentials registered in Latur, Maharashtra, to buy 16 SIM cards from Bihar and Maharashtra. These were smuggled to ISI operatives via Kathmandu. Eleven SIMs were found active on WhatsApp, originating from Pakistani cities including Lahore and Bahawalpur-a known JeM terrorist hub recently targeted in India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’.
The SIM cards were reportedly used to reach Indian Army officials and gather defence intelligence through social media. Police seized digital devices and multiple SIM envelopes from Chaurasiya during his arrest in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi.
Background of the accused and investigation status
Chaurasiya holds a BSc in Information Technology and a diploma in computer hardware and networking. His career included pharmaceutical sales roles in Maharashtra and Delhi before independent ventures like a Kathmandu-based logistics company collapsed, leading to financial distress. In 2024, he connected with ISI via a Nepali intermediary offering enticing incentives-a US visa and journalism jobs abroad-to recruit him for espionage activities.
In return, he supplied SIM cards and attempted to gather defence-related data on establishments such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Army units. Delhi Police have registered charges under sections 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) and 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigations aim to identify his network, courier routes, and ISI handlers to dismantle the module fully.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident underscores the continuing threat posed by cross-border espionage exploiting vulnerable individuals’ desperation amid geopolitical tensions. While precautionary and intelligence measures are essential to safeguard national security, it is equally important to approach such issues with empathy, considering how promises of visas and jobs can manipulate people into harmful espionage roles.
The Logical Indian urges a balanced response prioritising peace, dialogue, and coexistence that addresses both intelligence imperatives and human factors. Preventing escalations through sustained diplomatic engagement alongside robust security will help build mutual trust and stability.
