Punjab YouTuber Arrested in Espionage Network Linked to Pakistan
Arrest of YouTuber Uncovers Espionage Links
Chandigarh: A YouTuber from Punjab, who had been in close contact with Haryana influencer Jyoti Malhotra, has been apprehended by authorities. Police have revealed that this arrest is part of a larger espionage network investigation.
Jasbir Singh, hailing from Village Mahlan in Rupnagar district and known for his YouTube channel 'Jaan Mahal', has been linked to a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO), according to Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav.
Singh was reportedly in regular communication with Malhotra, who was previously detained by Haryana Police on espionage charges.
According to Yadav's post on X, "Jasbir Singh, who runs the YouTube channel 'Jaan Mahal', has connections with PIO Shakir, also known as Jutt Randhawa, part of a terror-related espionage network."
Additionally, Singh maintained ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani national expelled from his position at the Pakistan High Commission.
Investigations indicate that Singh attended a Pakistan National Day event in Delhi at Danish's invitation, where he interacted with officials from the Pakistani Army and other vloggers. He has traveled to Pakistan on three occasions (2020, 2021, and 2024), and his electronic devices are currently under forensic examination for containing multiple Pakistan-based contacts.
Following Malhotra's arrest, Singh attempted to eliminate any evidence of his communications with the PIOs, as stated by Yadav.
An FIR has been lodged at the State Special Operation Cell in Mohali, with ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the broader espionage-terror network and identifying all involved parties.
Malhotra, a 33-year-old from Hisar, was operating a YouTube channel named 'Travel with JO' and was arrested last month.
On May 13, India expelled Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, for alleged espionage activities.
This crackdown on spy networks follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities and the subsequent four-day military conflict with Pakistan.