Punjab YouTuber Arrested for Alleged Espionage Links with Pakistani Operatives
Punjab Police arrested YouTuber Jasbir Singh, who runs the channel "JaanMahal Video," for alleged involvement in a Pakistani espionage network. Singh is accused of connections with Pakistani intelligence operative Shakir (alias Jutt Randhawa) and expelled Pakistani High Commission official Ehsan-ur-Rahim. He reportedly attended Pakistan National Day in Delhi on Danish's invitation and travelled to Pakistan multiple times. This arrest follows that of Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra in a similar case.
Unpacked:
Police found multiple Pakistan-based numbers on Singh's electronic devices, and he allegedly shared sensitive information, including pictures of the Patiala military cantonment, with ISI agents. He also reportedly tried to erase communications with Pakistani contacts after another YouTuber's arrest.
Jasbir Singh reportedly maintained close contact with Jyoti Malhotra, the Haryana-based YouTuber arrested for similar espionage charges. After Malhotra's arrest, Singh attempted to erase records of his communications with Pakistani individuals, indicating possible collaboration or shared involvement in the espionage network.
Punjab Police are conducting a full-scale investigation to dismantle the broader espionage-terror network, examining electronic evidence, and identifying all collaborators. More arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses, with a focus on safeguarding national security.
Besides Jasbir Singh and Jyoti Malhotra, Pakistani intelligence operative Shakir (alias Jutt Randhawa) and expelled Pakistani High Commission official Ehsan-ur-Rahim (alias Danish) are key figures. Additionally, a Haryana security guard, Nauman Ilahi, was found to be in contact with ISI handlers and received money linked to the operation.