A naval staffer posted at the Directorate of Dockyard, Naval Headquarters in Delhi, has been arrested in Jaipur for allegedly leaking sensitive information to a Pakistani intelligence handler.
The accused, identified as Vishal Yadav, was lured through social media and ultimately supplied classified information related to Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory mission conducted after last month’s terror attack in Pahalgam.
According to Inspector General Vishnu Kant Gupta of the CID (Security), Yadav was ensnared by a woman posing as “Priya Sharma” on Facebook. Enticed by regular interactions across platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, the naval clerk was soon persuaded into sharing information in exchange for small payments ranging from ₹5,000–₹6,000. Encouraged by the handler to procure more valuable intelligence, he reportedly provided details concerning Indian operations within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The sophisticated manipulation involved encrypted messaging and payment incentives, raising concerns over the ease with which military insiders can be compromised via digital avenues. Law enforcement is probing further to determine the extent of the leaked data and any additional operatives involved.
This alarming episode highlights vulnerabilities in digital security and the urgent need for stronger internal safeguards across India’s defence ecosystem.
