In a startling revelation, Pakistan’s ISI Operative is found to have honey-trapped an Indian resident from Gujarat. A resident of Ankleshwar in Gujarat’s Bharuch district, Pravin Mishra, has been arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Mishra is accused of collecting classified information about the Indian Armed Forces and defense research firms, potentially compromising national security.
According to the Gujarat Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mishra fell victim to a sophisticated “honey trap” orchestrated by a Pakistan Spy posing as a woman named Sonal Garg, who purportedly worked for IBM Chandigarh. This revelation sheds light on the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by foreign intelligence agencies to gather sensitive information from Indian Government Employees.
The Honey Trap Scheme
The modus operandi of the espionage operation centered around a honey trap, a tactic that exploits romantic or sexual relationships to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. In this case, the Pakistan Spy or ISI operative, using the alias Sonal Garg, initiated contact with Mishra through social media platforms, presenting herself as an employee of IBM Chandigarh.
Employing an Indian WhatsApp number and a fake Facebook profile, the operative strategically targeted Mishra, who previously worked in Hyderabad for an organization collaborating with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The ISI Operative
The ISI operative meticulously crafted a false identity to establish a rapport with Mishra. Through seemingly innocuous conversations, Mishra was gradually lured into sharing sensitive information regarding India’s defense capabilities.
CID ADGP Rajkumar Pandian explained, “She honey-trapped one Pravin Mishra, who worked in Hyderabad in an organisation which in turn worked with DRDO.”
As Mishra’s trust in “Sonal Garg” grew, he began to share vital information, including details about drones manufactured by DRDO. Additionally, the ISI operative attempted to install malware on Mishra’s office server, further compromising security protocols.
The information shared by Mishra, including details about DRDO-manufactured drones, posed a significant threat to national security. The leakage of such classified data could potentially compromise India’s defense capabilities and strategic interests.
CID ADGP Rajkumar Pandian revealed, “Pravin Mishra shared some vital information.” This information was being relayed to an intelligence agency located in Pakistan, raising serious concerns about the extent of the breach and its ramifications.
The Investigation
The investigation into Mishra’s activities began following a tip-off from Military Intelligence in Udhampur. Authorities were alerted to attempts to target current or retired personnel of the Armed Forces, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and individuals involved in missile system development.
The collaborative efforts of Gujarat CID and Military Intelligence in Udhampur were instrumental in uncovering the espionage plot. The swift action taken by authorities underscores the importance of constant vigilance in safeguarding national security interests.
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Legal Ramifications
In light of the evidence gathered, a case has been registered against Mishra, the ISI operative using the fake identity “Sonal Garg,” and any Indian officials who may have been involved in the conspiracy. Legal proceedings are underway to ensure that those responsible for compromising national security are brought to justice.
Read About Pakistan Operations
Protecting National Interests
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics employed by foreign intelligence agencies to gather sensitive information. It underscores the importance of stringent security measures and heightened vigilance in safeguarding national interests.
Efforts must be intensified to educate individuals about the dangers of espionage and to implement robust security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The protection of classified information is paramount in ensuring the security and sovereignty of the nation.
