In a significant order underscoring the growing menace of cyber espionage, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted bail to 23-year-old Gaurav Arjun Patil, a former Naval Dockyard apprentice accused of sharing sensitive naval information with suspected Pakistani intelligence agents. While doing so, the Court issued a strong cautionary note to India’s youth on the dangers of “honey traps” on social media.
Justice Milind Jadhav, who delivered the order, highlighted the rising trend of cyber crimes involving emotional manipulation and online seduction tactics used to extract sensitive information.
“Honey trap is a covert technique used in intelligence operations which involves use of seduction or sexual appeal to extract information, gain leverage or manipulate individuals for various purposes,” the Court observed, noting that the present case was a “classic case of honey trap” which today’s youth should be wary of.
Patil had been arrested following an FIR registered in December 2023, alleging that between April and October 2023, he had shared details about docked naval ships, engine diagrams, and weather conditions with two women he met on Facebook and WhatsApp. These women were later identified as Pakistani operatives masquerading as employees of international shipping companies.
In return, Patil reportedly received a nominal sum of ₹2,000 via bank transfer. The co-accused remain absconding.
Patil’s counsel argued that his client was misled and manipulated, pointing to chat logs where Patil refused to share some information, told the women to “Google it,” and even offered to return the money. He also fully cooperated with the investigation, voluntarily handing over his mobile phone without deleting any data.
The Court took note of these facts and observed that Patil had no prior criminal record and was no longer in a position to access classified information.
Justice Jadhav emphasized that young people, particularly those active on social media, need to remain alert to seemingly harmless yet overly flattering communication from unknown individuals.
“The citizens of this country and more specifically the youth who are hooked onto the social media platforms must be alert particularly if a message they receive on social media is flattering or overly complimentary from an unsolicited communication or a person unknown as it may be a sign of honey trapping,” the Court stated.
The judge also called attention to the emotional grooming tactics used by the alleged spies.
“Such relationship is built on the foundation of trust and intimacy exploiting the target’s vulnerability and desires which is prima facie seen from the WhatsApp and Facebook chats in the present case,” the Court noted.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the charge, the Court underscored the need for a reformative approach rather than punitive incarceration, especially for first-time offenders. Referring to established Supreme Court precedents, the Court stated that imprisonment should not become a gateway to criminality.
Patil was released on a bail bond of ₹25,000 and will be required to report regularly to authorities and appear before the trial court on a monthly basis.
Case: Gaurav Arjun Patil vs State of Maharashtra – Available on LAWFYI.IO
