Indian Agencies Target Pakistan's Espionage Network Following Pahalgam Attack
Intensified Investigations into Espionage Activities
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Indian investigative agencies are focusing on dismantling Pakistan's espionage network operating within the country. To weaken Pakistan, these agencies are conducting raids on traitors residing in India. Over the past two weeks, at least 12 individuals, including a YouTuber, have been apprehended from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on charges of espionage for Pakistan. Authorities revealed that these suspects were part of a spy network linked to the neighboring country, active in North India. Six of the arrests occurred in Punjab, while four were made in Haryana.
Connections to Pakistani Officials
Among those arrested are two women, including a YouTuber from Haryana, who allegedly had contact with a Pakistani official, Ehsan-ur-Rehman, also known as Danish, stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. On May 13, India expelled this official for his alleged involvement in espionage. Investigators have found that the suspects were reportedly providing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence agencies. The police are currently examining the financial transactions of the arrested individuals and conducting forensic analysis of their electronic devices.
Further Arrests Linked to ISI
In addition to the arrests in Punjab and Haryana, a suspected agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was apprehended by a special task force in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Punjab police had previously arrested Falak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih on May 4 for allegedly sending sensitive information and images related to military installations and airports to the ISI.
Details of Espionage Activities
The police reported that both suspects were involved in gathering critical information, including military activities and sensitive data, which they allegedly transmitted to their handlers in Pakistan. On May 11, Punjab police arrested two others, including a woman, for their involvement in espionage activities linked to the Pakistani official Danish.
Identifying the Suspects
The identified suspects, 31-year-old Gujala and Yameen Mohammad from Malerkotla, were reportedly receiving payments through online transactions in exchange for sharing confidential information. During questioning, Gujala allegedly confessed to sharing sensitive details about Indian Army operations with the Pakistani official stationed at the New Delhi High Commission.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
Gujala revealed that she was compensated for her actions, receiving a total of ₹30,000 in two installments via UPI from the accused official. Meanwhile, Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, announced on Monday that two individuals had been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with the ISI.
Ongoing Investigations
Yadav shared on social media that credible intelligence received on May 15 indicated that Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh were sharing confidential details related to 'Operation Sindoor' with the ISI, including troop movements in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. On May 15, Haryana police arrested 24-year-old Noman Ilahi from Panipat for allegedly providing sensitive information to individuals in Pakistan.
Additional Arrests in Haryana
Following Ilahi's arrest, a 25-year-old postgraduate student from Kaithal was also detained for allegedly having ties with the ISI. Devender Singh, from the Guhla area, was arrested for posting pictures with weapons on social media. Investigations revealed that Singh had traveled to Pakistan on a pilgrimage last November and maintained contact with ISI agents after his return.
YouTuber Arrested for Espionage
On May 16, Haryana police arrested Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber, for allegedly providing sensitive information to the ISI. Malhotra runs a YouTube channel named 'Travel with Jo' and was apprehended in New Agrasen Extension. The police have filed a case against her under the Official Secrets Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Connections to Pakistani Officials
Authorities indicated that she was in contact with the Pakistani official Danish. Her YouTube channel features videos of her travels in Pakistan, including titles like 'Indian Girl in Pakistan' and 'Luxury Bus Ride in Pakistan.' According to the FIR filed at Hisar's Civil Lines police station, she came into contact with Danish while applying for a visa for her trip to Pakistan in 2023.
Continued Surveillance and Arrests
Hisar's Superintendent of Police, Shashank Kumar Sawan, stated that following 'Operation Sindoor,' Malhotra was allegedly in contact with Danish during a four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan. The police are currently investigating her financial transactions and travel details. Additionally, Haryana police reported the arrest of a 26-year-old man from Nuh district for espionage activities related to Pakistan.
Further Developments in the Case
Armaan was arrested for allegedly sharing information about Indian military activities with a staff member at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi. He has been placed in police custody for six days and is accused of sharing information via WhatsApp and social media platforms for an extended period. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) also arrested a suspected ISI agent named Shahzad in Tanda town, Rampur district, on Sunday.
National Security Concerns
The STF reported that Shahzad was allegedly providing sensitive information related to national security to his handlers. He is said to have traveled to Pakistan multiple times over the past few years and was involved in smuggling beauty products, clothing, spices, and other items across the border.