ISI sleeper cell busted, Nepal-origin man among 2 agents held
In a major success, the security agencies have dismantled a covert ISI sleeper cell network that was operating in India and arrested two individuals linked to the banned outfit – including one of Nepali origin.
The security forces behind the high stakes, counter-intelligence operation also included the Special Cell of the Delhi Police. It ran from January to March 2025 and involved extensive surveillance and coordination with national intelligence units.
According to the top officials, the operation began after security agencies received intelligence in early January that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had dispatched a spy to India via Nepal with the intent to carry out a terror plot.
The breakthrough came on February 15, when a Pakistani national — believed to be an ISI operative — was apprehended from Central Delhi while he was attempting to return to Pakistan through Nepal. He was identified as Ansarul Mian Ansari, a Nepali-origin agent.
Official sources said he was in possession of sensitive material and had been under watch for several weeks. The arrest was carried out swiftly to prevent potential damage to national security.
“Ansari had been instructed by the ISI to create a CD of the sensitive material and deliver it to contacts in Pakistan,” the source said.
Ansari’s interrogation revealed that he was previously employed as a cab driver in Qatar, where he was first approached by an ISI handler.
“Over time, he was radicalised and then transported to Pakistan, where he underwent training by senior ISI officials before being sent into India through Nepal. Once in Delhi, he attempted to establish a foothold and transmit classified intelligence back to his handlers,” the source said.
Following Ansari’s arrest, a second suspect, Akhlaq Ahmed, was apprehended in Ranchi based on leads extracted during the interrogation. Both individuals were subsequently charged under relevant Sections of the Official Secrets Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and are currently lodged in the Tihar Jail. A chargesheet was filed in May by the Delhi Police, detailing the extent of the espionage operation.
