Widening espionage probe reveals deep roots across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh
Nationwide Crackdown Amid Rising Tensions
Indian security agencies have taken significant action against espionage activities. They have arrested at least 12 individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. These arrests occurred over the past two weeks. The arrests come after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. These actions are part of India’s military response under Operation Sindoor. The situation has created heightened tensions with Pakistan. Those arrested reportedly belong to various backgrounds. This includes social media influencers, students, security guards, and workers. The diversity underscores the wide net of the alleged Pakistan-linked spy ring.
Influencers Turned Informants?
Among the most high-profile arrests was Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who boasts nearly 3.77 lakh YouTube subscribers and 1.33 lakh Instagram followers. She was taken into custody. Allegedly, she passed sensitive information to a Pakistani official named Danish. This official was stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. According to investigators, Malhotra had developed a connection with the official during a visa application visit in 2023. She remained in touch with him during the India-Pakistan military standoff.
Arrests Across Punjab: Espionage for Cash
Punjab witnessed the arrest of six individuals, including a woman named Guzala and a man named Yameen Mohammad from Malerkotla. Police said they received online payments from Pakistani handlers in exchange for military information. Guzala allegedly admitted to sharing details on army movements and had received ₹30,000 in two UPI transactions.
The arrest of Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih from Amritsar was another key development. They were accused of leaking images of sensitive military sites to ISI operatives. Two other suspects—Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh from Gurdaspur—were found in possession of mobile devices and live ammunition. Authorities revealed they were also involved in drug trafficking, which initially brought them in contact with ISI handlers.
Also read: Two arrested by Punjab police for sharing defence info with Pakistan
Espionage Footprint in Haryana
Five suspects were arrested in Haryana in separate cases. Among them, 24-year-old Nauman Ilahi, a factory guard from Panipat, was accused of sharing classified information with ISI handlers. Another suspect is 25-year-old postgraduate student Devender Singh. He allegedly sent photos of the Patiala cantonment. This was after a visit to Pakistan in 2023 on a religious pilgrimage. During this trip, he reportedly came into contact with intelligence operatives.
The state police also arrested a 26-year-old named Armaan from Nuh for allegedly supplying information to Pakistan over WhatsApp. He is currently in six-day police custody. Additionally, a local quack named Mohammad Tarif from Nuh was detained. He allegedly provided SIM cards and sensitive intelligence to Pakistani contacts. Two Pakistani nationals have also been named in the FIR filed in this case.
UP STF Nabs ISI Agent in Rampur
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested Shahzad from Rampur for suspected involvement in cross-border smuggling and espionage. Authorities said he had traveled to Pakistan multiple times. He was engaged in smuggling goods like cosmetics and spices. He allegedly provided intelligence to ISI handlers.
Broader Implications and Security Concerns
Officials confirmed that the arrested individuals were allegedly in regular contact with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Detailed forensic analysis of their financial and communication records is underway. Many of the accused had unknowingly or willingly become assets in a broader intelligence network aimed at gathering strategic information.
The arrests have raised concerns over the potential misuse of digital platforms and personal connections to recruit individuals across borders. Police say efforts are ongoing to track additional operatives and collaborators within the network.
A New Front in Modern Warfare
Security officials highlighted that intelligence warfare is evolving beyond traditional boundaries. “This is also a kind of warfare,” said Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Sawan. He pointed out how influencers like Malhotra were being groomed to push a narrative favorable to Pakistan. Investigations are now focusing on mapping the broader network of influence and its impact on India’s national security framework.
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