Amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian security agencies have been actively cracking down on espionage networks allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These operations, conducted across multiple states, have led to a series of arrests, revealing a complex web of individuals allegedly involved in activities ranging from spying and facilitating cross-border smuggling to aiding enemy operations. The arrests include a diverse group of people, including a YouTuber, a businessman, students, and laborers, highlighting the evolving nature of espionage in the digital age.
One of the most high-profile arrests is that of Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based travel blogger and YouTuber with a significant online presence. Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel "Travel with JO," is accused of spying for Pakistan. Sources within the security establishment claim that she had been seen in the company of a Pakistani official in the past and was subsequently declared persona non grata by the Indian government. Authorities allege that Malhotra was involved in gathering intelligence on Indian armed forces and was allegedly spotted in Pahalgam shortly before a terror attack. Her father has denied the allegations, stating that she visited Pakistan with the necessary permissions. Police are investigating how she financed her extensive travels, which included visits to Bangladesh, China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, in addition to numerous Indian destinations.
The police claim Malhotra was in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and a Pakistani citizen, and are investigating any potential links to the Pahalgam attack. According to a police complaint, Malhotra first met Ahsan-ur-Rahim, a Pakistan High Commission official, in 2023 when seeking a visa. Her last video from Pakistan, uploaded in March, showed her attending a Ramadan dinner at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
In addition to Malhotra, several other individuals have been arrested on similar charges. A businessman from Uttar Pradesh named Shahzad was apprehended for allegedly conducting illegal cross-border trade and espionage activities. According to the Special Task Force (STF), Shahzad was involved in smuggling goods from Pakistan for several years, using the trade network as a cover for espionage. He is accused of transmitting sensitive information related to national security to Pakistani handlers, providing money and Indian SIM cards to ISI operatives, and facilitating the recruitment of Indian nationals for ISI missions.
In Punjab, Mohammad Murtaza Ali was arrested for allegedly relaying information to the ISI via a mobile app he developed. Authorities recovered multiple mobile phones and SIM cards, suggesting his involvement in streamlining espionage communication. Two other individuals, Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh, were also arrested in Punjab for allegedly sharing classified details related to Operation Sindoor, including troop movements and key strategic locations, with the ISI.
These arrests highlight the multifaceted nature of modern espionage, where social media, mobile apps, and financial incentives are used to lure individuals into spy networks. The involvement of young people, including social media influencers and students, underscores the evolving tactics employed by intelligence agencies. The recent surge in arrests following the Pahalgam terror attack indicates a heightened state of alert and an intensified effort by Indian security agencies to counter espionage activities. As investigations continue, more details are likely to emerge about the extent and nature of these alleged spy networks and their impact on national security.
