Navy Official Arrested for Espionage, Accused of Leaking Intel to Pakistan During Op Sindoor

Navy Clerk Arrested for Espionage, Accused of Passing Sensitive Information to Pakistan During Op Sindoor.

A clerk working at the Indian Navy’s headquarters in New Delhi has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), including during the period of the recently launched Operation Sindoor.

The accused, Vishal Yadav — a Haryana resident employed at the Directorate of Dockyard in Navy HQ — was apprehended by the Rajasthan Police’s intelligence wing after months of surveillance. He was booked under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Investigators revealed that Yadav had been sharing confidential information related to the Indian Navy and other defence installations with a woman identified as his Pakistani handler. The two had reportedly been in regular contact through social media platforms, and Yadav is believed to have been supplying classified material for an extended period.

According to Rajasthan’s CID Intelligence, the woman, operating under the alias Priya Sharma, lured Yadav with financial incentives. Officials said she had been sending him payments both via direct bank transfers and through cryptocurrency accounts.

Yadav’s motive, police say, was largely financial. A senior officer, Vishnukant Gupta, noted that the accused was addicted to online gaming and had incurred significant financial losses. His growing need for money allegedly led him to sell sensitive military information in exchange for funds.

The nature of the leaked information, especially during Operation Sindoor — India’s targeted counter-terror campaign launched in May — is under further investigation. Authorities are examining the potential extent of the breach and its strategic implications.

Yadav remains in custody as officials conduct a deeper inquiry into his communications, financial transactions, and access to classified materials. In light of this incident, security agencies have once again urged defence personnel and the public to remain vigilant against suspicious activity online and to report any anomalies immediately.