On May 28, 2025, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 27-year-old Ravindra Murlidhar Verma, a junior engineer from Thane, for allegedly passing sensitive information to a Pakistani intelligence operative through a honey-trap scheme.

Verma was employed by a private defense technology firm with access to the Indian Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Between November 2024 and March 2025, he allegedly shared classified documents related to restricted areas of the naval facility via WhatsApp with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO). The PIO initially contacted him on Facebook using a woman’s profile, eventually luring him into the espionage operation.

Verma has been charged under Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act (espionage) and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal conspiracy). After interrogation, he was remanded to ATS custody until June 2, 2025. Authorities are examining his electronic devices to assess the full extent of the information breach.

This arrest is part of a series of espionage cases involving honey-trap tactics. Notably, travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra was arrested in May 2025 for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani operatives. Additionally, a CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector was arrested earlier in May for espionage activities linked to a honey-trap operation.

These incidents highlight the increasing vulnerability of individuals in sensitive positions to foreign intelligence operations, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and security measures.

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