From Vloggers to Guards, Eight Accused Pakistani Agents Detained in India

New Delhi: In a sweeping crackdown on espionage activities following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Indian security agencies have arrested at least eight individuals across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh on charges of spying for Pakistan. The arrests, which include a travel vlogger, a student, a businessman, and a factory guard, underscore the growing threat of espionage and the diverse backgrounds from which alleged spies are being recruited.

Background: Rising Tensions and Operation Sindoor

The arrests come in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, triggered by the Pahalgam massacre. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terror infrastructure, prompting the launch of Operation Sindoor-a targeted strike against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The operation was followed by a barrage of missile and drone attacks from Pakistan, which were repelled by Indian forces. Hostilities ceased after a four-day standoff, but the episode has led to intensified surveillance and counter-espionage measures across the country.

Breakdown of Arrests: Who Are the Accused?

Authorities have revealed a diverse list of suspects, highlighting the evolving tactics of Pakistani intelligence agencies in recruiting assets within India.

• Jyoti Malhotra (a.k.a. Jyoti Rani): A popular travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, with over 377,000 YouTube subscribers, was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with Pakistani handlers. Police allege she was cultivated as an asset by officials from the Pakistan High Commission, whom she met during visa procedures. Malhotra reportedly traveled to Pakistan twice and maintained contact with multiple intelligence operatives, sharing information about vital Indian installations.
• Devendra Singh Dhillon: A 25-year-old political science student from Kaithal, Haryana, was detained after uploading photos of firearms on social media. Investigations revealed he had visited Pakistan on pilgrimage and subsequently shared sensitive details about military cantonments with ISI officers.
• Nauman Ilahi: Working as a security guard in Panipat, Haryana, Ilahi was arrested for allegedly supplying information to Pakistan through an ISI handler. Police claim he received payments routed via his brother-in-law’s account.
• Arman: Arrested in Nuh, Haryana, Arman is accused of passing sensitive information to Pakistan during heightened bilateral tensions. Authorities state they possess concrete evidence and are continuing the probe.
• Shahzad: A businessman from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, Shahzad was apprehended by the Special Task Force for allegedly providing national security-related information to ISI handlers. He reportedly traveled to Pakistan multiple times and was also involved in smuggling goods across the border.
• Mohammad Murtaza Ali: Arrested in Jalandhar by Gujarat Police, Ali is accused of spying for ISI using a mobile app he developed himself. Multiple phones and SIM cards were recovered from his possession.
• Gazala and Yamin Mohammad: Both residents of Malerkotla, Punjab, these individuals were arrested for leaking sensitive information about Indian Army movements in exchange for money. Police say Gazala received payments via UPI transactions from a Pakistani official.
• Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih: Arrested in Amritsar, Punjab, for allegedly leaking photographs and information about army cantonments and air bases to Pakistani operatives. Their arrest followed the recovery of significant digital evidence.

Modus Operandi: Social Media, Money, and Influence

The cases reveal a pattern: many of the accused were approached via social media or during visits to Pakistan, and lured with promises of money or influence. Notably, influencers and youth have emerged as new targets for recruitment, as highlighted by Hisar police, who warned that easy money is drawing young Indians into espionage networks.

Police reports indicate that suspects used encrypted messaging apps, social media, and digital payment platforms to communicate and transfer information. Some, like Jyoti Malhotra, were allegedly instructed to portray Pakistan positively in their online content, while others were directly involved in gathering and transmitting sensitive military data.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations

The accused have been booked under various sections of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with acts endangering national security and integrity. Several are currently in police custody and are being interrogated by intelligence agencies for further leads.

Implications: A Wake-Up Call for National Security

This series of arrests serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by espionage networks operating within India. The diverse backgrounds of the accused-ranging from social media influencers to factory workers-highlight the need for vigilance across all sections of society. Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to countering such threats and urged the public to remain alert to suspicious activities.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to tighten surveillance and enhance public awareness campaigns to prevent further infiltration by foreign intelligence operatives.