In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian authorities have arrested at least eleven individuals across multiple states on suspicion of espionage. These arrests, which include YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and businessman Shahzad, come amid a broader crackdown on espionage networks allegedly operating at the behest of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Among those apprehended is Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel vlogger and YouTuber with a significant online following. Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel "Travel with JO," is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani contacts. Law enforcement officials claim she was in contact with an officer from the Pakistan High Commission and had traveled to Pakistan at least twice. Authorities suspect that Pakistani intelligence operatives were attempting to cultivate her as an asset. Her social media accounts describe her as a "Nomadic Leo Girl", "Wanderer Haryanvi Punjabi" and "purane khayalon ki modern ladki". She has traveled extensively across India and to countries including Pakistan, Bhutan, Indonesia and China.
Shahzad, a businessman from Uttar Pradesh, was also arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Shahzad, accusing him of leaking sensitive information to the ISI. Police sources indicate that Shahzad had made multiple visits to Pakistan in recent years, ostensibly for textile trading. However, authorities allege that he used these trips to smuggle goods and engage in espionage activities. Investigators have reportedly found evidence that he supplied ISI agents in India with Indian SIM cards and financial support, facilitating covert operations.
The arrests extend beyond Malhotra and Shahzad. Devendra Singh, a post-graduate student from Haryana, and Armaan, were also taken into custody. Armaan is accused of sharing information about the Indian Army with Pakistan through an employee posted at the High Commission of Pakistan in Delhi.
The series of arrests highlights the multi-faceted nature of the alleged espionage network. Some suspects, like Shahzad, are accused of facilitating cross-border smuggling and providing logistical support, while others, like Jyoti Malhotra, are suspected of leveraging their social media influence to gather and disseminate information.
The arrests have triggered a wave of concern about the potential for social media influencers to be targeted by foreign intelligence agencies. Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan cautioned that foreign agencies were targeting young social media influencers for easy money, leading them down "the wrong path."
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the extent of the espionage network and the potential involvement of other individuals. The arrests have further strained relations between India and Pakistan, already tense due to recent events.
