In a significant security breach, Vishal Yadav, a clerk at the Navy headquarters in Delhi, has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive naval information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This high-profile arrest was executed by the intelligence wing of the Rajasthan police following an extensive surveillance operation.
Yadav, hailing from Haryana, reportedly fell victim to a honey trap set up by a woman who identified herself as Priya Sharma, believed to be an ISI agent. Investigators indicated that Yadav was manipulated into disclosing confidential defense documents in exchange for financial gain, exploiting his precarious financial situation stemming from losses sustained in online gaming.
Among the sensitive materials that Yadav allegedly leaked were critical details related to Operation Sindoor, India’s recent precision military strike carried out on May 7, 2025, against terrorist infrastructure. This alarming revelation has prompted a high-level investigation into potential insider threats within India’s defense establishment.
Authorities’ scrutiny intensified following the discovery of incriminating evidence on Yadav’s mobile phone, which showed consistent communication with his ISI handler and repeated exchanges of classified information. A dedicated team of intelligence and defense security officials is currently questioning Yadav at the Central Interrogation Center in Jaipur to assess the breadth of the security breach and identify any additional collaborators.
Security analysts have highlighted this case as illustrative of a troubling increase in honey-trap espionage incidents targeting Indian military personnel. They report a troubling 40% surge in such cases globally over the past two years, often exploiting personal vulnerabilities through social media and messaging platforms.
In response to this incident, the Indian Navy and other defense agencies are reviewing their internal security protocols. There is now an intensified emphasis on enhancing cyber awareness and implementing counter-espionage measures. Many experts are advocating for improved background checks, psychological profiling, and closer monitoring of the digital activities of personnel with access to sensitive information.
The arrest of Vishal Yadav highlights the ongoing and evolving threats posed by espionage in the modern digital landscape, reinforcing the urgent need for stringent safeguards to protect India’s national security interests.
