Mumbai In a deeply concerning breach of national security, a 27-year-old junior engineer named Ravindra Verma, who lived in Thane and worked for a Mumbai-based private company handling defense projects, was caught red-handed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for leaking sensitive information to a Pakistani operative.

According to ATS officials, Ravindra was honey-trapped a term used when someone is lured into a romantic or emotional relationship for manipulation. In this case, a person pretending to be a woman on Facebook sent him a friend request. The two began chatting on WhatsApp, where Ravindra eventually shared confidential information restricted by the Government of India.

The ATS stated in a press note that the suspect came in contact with the Pakistani spy in November 2024 and began exchanging information through WhatsApp chats. This continued until March 2025, during which time Ravindra also received money via online bank transfers, nowtraced by investigators.

A police source revealed that the WhatsApp number used by the operative was linked to a Pakistani IP address. The operative had created a fake identity and used it to gain Ravindra's trust. Once emotionally involved, he began to share classified details about areas connected to India’s defense operations.

“He was a contractual employee working within a defense zone through a private firm,” a senior ATS officer said. “It’s shocking how easily he was manipulated.”

ATS officials added that they were alerted after tracking the suspicious WhatsApp number, which led to the questioning and eventual arrest of Ravindra. He was presented before a Thane court and has been placed under police custody until June 2.

Investigators are now thoroughly checking Ravindra’s phone, social media profiles, and communication history to determine if anyone else was targeted by the same Pakistani operative. Another Indian suspect and the Pakistani handler are still wanted in the case.

This incident brings to light how social media can lead to serious nonobservance in national security. The ATS continues to investigate the full extent of the damage caused and is urging citizens, especially those working in sensitive sectors, to remain sharp-eyed online.