Another YouTuber, Jasbir Singh, with over a million subscribers on his "Jaan Mahal" channel, has been apprehended by Punjab Police for his alleged involvement in a Pakistan-backed espionage network. This arrest follows closely on the heels of Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's arrest on similar charges, raising concerns about the potential exploitation of social media platforms for anti-national activities.

According to the Director General of Police (DGP) for Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, Jasbir Singh, a resident of Mahlan village in Rupnagar district, maintained close contact with several Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) suspected of working for Pakistani handlers. These connections and activities are currently under intense scrutiny as part of a broader investigation into a terror-linked espionage operation.

Investigations revealed that Singh had a close association with Jyoti Malhotra, who was previously arrested for similar offenses. Furthermore, he was linked to Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a Pakistani national and a former official at the Pakistan High Commission who was expelled from India. Singh reportedly attended Pakistan National Day celebrations in Delhi upon Danish's invitation, where he allegedly interacted with Pakistani Army officials and vloggers.

DGP Yadav stated that Singh had traveled to Pakistan on three separate occasions, in 2020, 2021, and 2024. Forensic analysis of his electronic devices uncovered multiple Pakistan-based contact numbers, which are now being thoroughly investigated. It is also alleged that Singh attempted to erase evidence of his communication with the network following Malhotra's arrest. He was also reportedly in contact with another PIO, Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, believed to be a key link in the terror-backed intelligence network.

Authorities claim that Malhotra first traveled to Pakistan in 2023, where she met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, who introduced her to intelligence operatives in Pakistan. She is accused of sharing sensitive information regarding Indian locales and developing a relationship with one of the intelligence operatives.

An FIR has been registered at the State Special Operations Cell in Mohali, and a full-fledged investigation is underway to map the full extent of the espionage network and identify any additional collaborators. The police are committed to safeguarding national security and preventing anti-national elements from thriving within the country. This recent arrest highlights the ongoing concerns about the potential misuse of social media platforms and the need for increased vigilance to protect national interests.