How Pakistan's Digital Honeytrap Is Pulling Indian Teens Into Espionage

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a span of 24 hours, two alleged espionage cases in Punjab and Haryana have exposed how Pakistan-linked handlers are using online traps to extract sensitive information from Indians - including minors.In Punjab's Pathankot, police arrested a 15-year-old boy for allegedly sharing national security-related information with Pakistan's ISI, terror outfits and Pakistan military officers. In a separate case in Haryana, a contractor working at an Air Force station in Ambala was held on suspicion of spying for the neighbouring country.

Teen Groomed Online

According to Punjab Police, Pakistani handlers allegedly targeted the teenager through social media, by making him believe that his father had been murdered and exploiting his emotional vulnerability.The police said the boy was gradually drawn into contact with Pakistani accounts online. "He fell into the trap of Pakistani agencies through social media, as he was suspicious that his father had been murdered, which affected him mentally. However, the investigation did not reveal any such evidence," said a senior police official.Police said the minor had allegedly sent videos of sensitive locations and was in touch with Pakistan-based gangsters operating terror modules, "for almost a year".Investigators are now examining the extent of information shared and identifying the individuals he communicated with.The teenager remains in custody, with further action to follow based on the probe.

Air Force Contractor Under Scanner In Haryana

In a similar case, Haryana Police arrested Sunil alias Sunny, a contractor in Ambala, for allegedly spying on an Air Force station. DSP Crime Virendra Kumar said the accused had been handling repair work at the Air Force base since 2020."The police had information that he was providing details about our defence area, specifically the Air Force. His mobile was seized and several suspicious things emerged from it," Kumar said, according to a TOI report.According to police, Sunil was allegedly in contact with a woman who sought information from him, which he passed on. "According to his device, he used to send information to a neighbouring country, which we can call an enemy country. But this is his version. Investigation is ongoing," the officer said.Sunil, who is married and has two children, is currently on four days of remand. Police said the investigation is at an early stage.