In a serious breach of national security, Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 28-year-old health worker for allegedly sharing classified information about Indian Navy and Border Security Force (BSF) installations with a Pakistani agent.
Officials confirmed the arrest on Saturday, marking yet another case in a growing series of espionage attempts linked to Pakistan.
The accused, Sahdev Singh Gohil, a resident of Kachchh district, came under ATS surveillance due to suspicious online activity.
According to senior ATS officer K Siddharth, Gohil began communicating with a Pakistani agent posing as Aditi Bharadwaj via WhatsApp in 2023.
Following a detailed inquiry, investigators discovered that Gohil had sent photographs and videos of sensitive naval and BSF sites, including both completed and under-construction facilities.
Exclusive SIM Card Used For Espionage
Gohil allegedly purchased a new SIM card in early 2025 using his Aadhaar credentials. He then activated WhatsApp on the new number and used it solely to communicate with the foreign agent.
“All the sensitive material was exchanged through this number after activation via OTP,” Siddharth stated.
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Forensic analysis later confirmed that the numbers to which Gohil sent information were operated from Pakistan.
Payment Received For Classified Content
Authorities revealed that Gohil received ₹40,000 in cash from an unidentified individual, which is believed to be compensation for sharing the classified data.
Investigators are working to trace the payment’s origin and identify others involved.
“This isn’t an isolated case,” Siddharth added. “It points to a larger espionage network orchestrated from across the border.”
Gohil’s arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on alleged espionage operatives.
Over the past few weeks, ATS and other agencies have detained more than ten individuals, including a YouTuber, a businessman, and a security guard, all suspected of leaking strategic information to Pakistan-based handlers.
Context Of Rising Cross-Border Tensions
These arrests follow the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The incident significantly worsened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Officials believe Pakistan-based intelligence operatives are ramping up efforts to gain access to India’s defence infrastructure through covert channels.
In response, the ATS has heightened surveillance in sensitive regions, particularly in border areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir.
National Security Under Scrutiny
This incident has raised fresh concerns over internal security and the potential vulnerability of civilians in strategic locations.
The authorities remain on high alert, with investigations continuing into the broader espionage network.
The arrest of Sahdev Singh Gohil highlights the urgent need for vigilance and tighter cybersecurity protocols to counter such threats.
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