In a sweeping operation, 11 individuals were arrested for spying for Pakistan in India. The arrests followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and were executed across multiple states. This major bust exposed the use of social media and online platforms in espionage activities.
These suspects allegedly shared sensitive military information with Pakistani handlers. The accused included a popular YouTuber, college students, and even a factory security guard. Investigations revealed that Pakistan’s spy network had reached into ordinary lives through modern digital tools.
Jyoti Malhotra: YouTuber Turned Alleged Spy for Pakistan
Among the most high-profile arrests was Jyoti Malhotra from Haryana. The YouTuber was allegedly being “developed as an asset” by Pakistani handlers. She had visited Pakistan in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Her YouTube channel, “Travel with Jo,” has 3.85 lakh subscribers. During questioning, she confessed to having ties with a Pakistani High Commission staffer, Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish.
Her visits to Pakistan and Kashmir before the Pahalgam attack have raised serious questions.
Gazala and Yameen Mohammed: Funds and Visa Links Exposed
Two more individuals, Gazala and Yameen Mohammed from Punjab’s Malerkotla, were arrested. They allegedly acted as financial conduits for the spy network. Their association with Danish, the Pakistani official, is under probe.
Money was found transferred to their mobile phones from Pakistan. They had also contacted Danish for Pakistani visas.
Their role was crucial in maintaining the flow of funds for espionage activities.
Devender Singh: Student Accused of Leaking Military Cantonment Details
Devender Singh, a 25-year-old political science student, was arrested in Haryana. He had reportedly shared images of the Patiala military cantonment with Pakistan. His arrest occurred after he uploaded gun-related images online.
Singh had visited Pakistan in November last year. His online behavior and travel history indicated possible long-term espionage involvement. He is currently under police custody for further interrogation.
Arman and Tarif: Nuh Residents in the Spy Web
Two residents of Nuh, Haryana—Arman and Tarif—were also arrested.
Arman was found to have sent sensitive army data to Pakistan via WhatsApp. Digital evidence of chats, images, and videos was recovered from his phone.
Tarif, the second individual from Nuh, had contact with Pakistan Embassy officials. He was given Pakistani SIM cards and was instructed to click photos of Indian airports. Both are suspected of deep-rooted ties with Pakistan’s espionage network.
Nauman Illahi was arrested in Panipat, Haryana on May 15. He worked as a factory security guard and was allegedly in contact with ISI operatives. His past visits to Pakistan raised further concerns.
Illahi hails from Kairana, Uttar Pradesh. Devices recovered from him revealed confidential exchanges with foreign handlers. Police believe he shared strategic information over secure channels.
Mohammad Murtaza Ali: App Developer Caught Using Technology for Espionage
A shocking arrest in Punjab’s Jalandhar involved Murtaza Ali. The man reportedly developed a mobile app used for spying. The app served as a secret platform to exchange information with Pakistani agents.
Authorities seized four mobile phones and three SIM cards from him. The app’s code and logs are under forensic examination. The use of technology by Ali reflects the new-age nature of espionage.
Shehzad: Cross-Border Smuggler with a Hidden Agenda
Uttar Pradesh ATS arrested Shehzad from Moradabad for alleged spying. He was engaged in illegal cross-border trade, which acted as a cover. He had visited Pakistan multiple times under the guise of business.
The goods traded included clothes, cosmetics, and spices. Intelligence agencies suspect these operations were meant to fund ISI activities in India. Shehzad is now in judicial custody for 14 days.
Sukhpreet and Karanbir Singh: Espionage in Operation Sindoor
Two young men from Punjab—Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh—were arrested in Gurdaspur. They were accused of leaking data about Operation Sindoor. Strategic troop movements and key army locations were shared with Pakistani handlers.
Both suspects received Rs 1 lakh as a reward for their activities. Authorities confirmed their active involvement began post-Pahalgam attack. Drug smuggling charges are also being investigated.
Modern Espionage: Social Media and False Promises as Tools
Most suspects were lured through social media platforms and WhatsApp. Promises of money, fame, or travel were used to recruit them. Their backgrounds show that the spy network targeted ordinary people.
The use of influencers and students was a calculated move. These individuals often went unnoticed and had easy access to local information. Police believe many were unaware of the extent of their actions.
States Involved: Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh
All 11 arrests were made from three major states. Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh emerged as key zones in this operation. Investigations are still ongoing in several locations.
Officials said more arrests may follow. Surveillance has been increased around military zones and border districts. The crackdown has sent a strong message against espionage activities.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call on National Security
The arrests of these 11 Pakistan spies serve as a major alert. National security was nearly compromised through digital and human vulnerabilities. Authorities are now focused on plugging the intelligence gaps.
Espionage activities using social media and online lures have changed old paradigms. Stronger monitoring of digital behavior and foreign visits is being planned. This crackdown may be just the beginning of a deeper investigation.
