Amid espionage allegations against YouTube star vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, attention has turned to individuals accused of working for Pakistan and leaking sensitive information. Sources reveal that following the Operation Sindoor strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, India’s top intelligence agencies initiated a large-scale crackdown on suspected spies within the country.
Sources indicate that the operation was named “Mir Jafar.” Initially, officials gathered intelligence on individuals who had established connections and maintained regular contact with people across the border. Once credible information was secured, a nationwide crackdown was initiated. This led to the arrest of numerous suspects across J&K, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the brutal killings of 26 tourists in Baisaran Valley, those believed to be supplying information to their alleged handlers were placed under close surveillance. Sources reveal that these individuals were found to be providing critical details, from photos to other sensitive information, to Pakistani agencies.
It is also reported that the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi played a significant role in this operation. Many of those arrested during the crackdown were discovered to be in regular contact with officials from the High Commission.
Initial investigations have revealed that Pakistan has been enticing individuals to share sensitive information by offering all-expenses-paid trips to foreign destinations, cash payments, and other incentives. Sources indicate that Operation Mir Jafar is ongoing, and more arrests are expected as further incriminating evidence emerges.
A Nationwide Espionage Bust: 11 arrested in India for alleged links to ISI
In a major operation against a suspected espionage network connected to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Indian authorities have detained at least 11 individuals across four states in the past 11 days. The arrests were part of a sweeping crackdown aimed at dismantling an alleged spy ring operating within India. The arrested individuals hail from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. Among them are influencers, students, labourers, and even a factory security guard, underscoring the deep reach and alarming scope of Pakistan’s covert recruitment efforts in India.
Jyoti Malhotra: YouTuber-turned-alleged spy under scanner for leaking military secrets
One of the most high-profile arrests in India’s ongoing espionage crackdown is that of Jyoti Malhotra, a popular travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, known for her YouTube channel Travel with Jo. She was taken into custody last week on charges of allegedly leaking sensitive military information to Pakistani intelligence agencies. Investigators were first alerted after Malhotra attended an Iftar event at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, where she was seen in close conversation with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani diplomat previously expelled from India on espionage charges.
Authorities claim Malhotra made multiple trips to Pakistan over the past two years, during which she reportedly met with ISI-linked operatives and passed on classified content. Police allege she stayed in touch with her handlers via encrypted messaging platforms and is now being interrogated by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) as part of the wider probe into the suspected spy network.
Devendra Singh Dhillon: Political Science student accused of spying for ISI
Devendra Singh Dhillon, a 25-year-old political science student at Khalsa College, Patiala, was arrested on May 12 in Kaithal, Haryana, as part of the widening espionage investigation. His arrest followed initial suspicions triggered by social media activity, including Facebook posts featuring weapons.
During interrogation, Dhillon reportedly confessed to visiting Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2023. Authorities claim he admitted to sharing photographs and sensitive information related to the Patiala military cantonment with operatives of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His arrest has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of academic and religious channels for espionage activities.
Nauman Ilahi: Factory security guard accused of leaking sensitive info to ISI
Nauman Ilahi, a 24-year-old factory security guard from Panipat, Haryana, was arrested on charges of sharing sensitive information with a suspected ISI handler. A native of Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, Ilahi reportedly maintained active communication with Pakistani intelligence contacts. His arrest was made following a tip-off received by security agencies, and further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the information he may have passed on. Ilahi’s case underscores the growing reach of Pakistan’s espionage network into blue-collar and low-profile civilian roles.
Shahzad: Smuggler-turned-spy accused of aiding ISI
Shahzad, a resident of Tanda in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested by the state’s Special Task Force (STF) for alleged involvement in cross-border espionage and smuggling. Authorities say he frequently travelled to Pakistan, posing as a trader dealing in cosmetics, clothes, and spices. However, investigations revealed that these trips served as a cover for gathering intelligence for Pakistan’s ISI. Shahzad is also accused of acting as a recruiter, drawing others into espionage activities under the pretence of trade and travel.
Mohammad Murtaza Ali: App developer nabbed for alleged ISI-linked espionage
Mohammad Murtaza Ali, an app developer from Jalandhar, Punjab, was arrested by Gujarat Police on charges of spying for Pakistan’s ISI. Acting on intelligence inputs, authorities conducted a raid and seized four mobile phones and three SIM cards from his possession. Investigators allege that Ali developed and used a mobile application to transmit sensitive military data to his handlers. His technical expertise, officials say, was exploited to discreetly funnel classified information across the border.
Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh: Gurdaspur duo held for leaking military secrets to ISI
Punjab’s Gurdaspur Police arrested two youths, Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh, on May 15 for allegedly sharing classified military information with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Acting on intelligence inputs, authorities discovered that the pair had passed on sensitive details related to Operation Sindoor — including troop movements and strategic deployments across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and J&K.
During the arrest, police recovered three mobile phones and eight live cartridges. A forensic analysis of their devices reportedly confirmed direct contact with ISI handlers and the transmission of critical defence-related data. An FIR has been filed under the Official Secrets Act at the Dorangala police station.
Armaan and Hanif: Two youths from Nuh held for espionage ties with Pakistani High Commission
In a major development from Haryana’s Nuh district, two individuals, Armaan and Hanif, have been arrested on charges of espionage within a span of two days. On May 16, 26-year-old Armaan, a resident of Rajaka village, was taken into custody for allegedly sharing sensitive information about Indian Army activities with a Pakistani national working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
Authorities say Armaan’s mobile phone contained incriminating evidence, including videos, photographs, and messages exchanged with his Pakistani contacts. He has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and multiple provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Soon after, Hanif — another local youth — was also arrested on similar charges, marking a concerning pattern of recruitment in the region. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.
Gazala and Yamin Mohammad – Caught in Punjab for alleged espionage
Gazala and Yamin Mohammad were arrested in Punjab on charges of espionage, accused of passing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Authorities believe both were actively involved in leaking classified data related to India’s military activities.
From Terror Strike to Military Retaliation
The espionage case is closely linked to the escalating tensions that began with the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K, where 26 civilians — mostly tourists — were brutally killed.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor — a precise and high-intensity military operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). Conducted between May 6 and May 10, the offensive saw Indian armed forces dismantling nine major terror camps and neutralising over 100 terrorists, many of whom were sheltered by Pakistani agencies.
Pakistan retaliated with a barrage of missile and drone attacks, aiming at Indian military and civilian assets. However, Indian defence systems swiftly intercepted the majority of these threats. India countered by striking key Pakistani airbases, dealing heavy damage.
