YouTuber Jasbir Singh Arrested for Alleged Espionage with Pakistani ISI Operative “Shakir”
- MGMMTeam
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
In a major blow to national security, the Punjab Police’s State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, has arrested Jasbir Singh—popularly known as “JaanMahal”—on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). With over 1.1 million subscribers on YouTube, Singh operated under the guise of a travel and cooking vlogger, but authorities say his online presence masked a deeper, covert operation.
Key Allegations
Connected to Pakistani Intelligence
Jasbir allegedly maintained ongoing communication with Shakir (also known as Jutt Randhawa), identified as a Pakistani intelligence operative.
He reportedly also had ties to Jyoti Malhotra, another influencer arrested earlier for espionage.
Trips to Pakistan & High-Profile Meetings
Court documents indicate Singh visited Pakistan three times between 2020 and 2024, during which he allegedly met with ISI officials.
He attended Pakistan’s National Day event in India — reportedly at the invitation of Ehsan‑ur‑Rahim (alias “Danish”), an expelled Pakistani High Commission official.
Feeds Sensitive Military Information
Investigators accused him of passing data on Indian Army movements and classified material to Pakistan.
Forensic analysis of his phone revealed around 150 contacts linked to ISI officials, Pakistani diplomats, and known intelligence operatives.
Destruction of Evidence
Police suspect he attempted to delete incriminating data from his devices following Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest.
Legal Action & Custody
Singh was initially placed under a three-day police remand, which was extended by an additional two days by a Mohali court on June 7, 2025.
Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Official Secrets Act, showcasing the severity of the accusations.
Wider Espionage Network
Officials describe Singh’s arrest as part of a larger Pakistan-backed espionage ring that used social media personalities to collect and transfer sensitive information. The arrest of Malhotra—who allegedly operated in parallel—and others underscores a coordinated operation aimed at infiltrating Indian social platforms and military channels.
Implications & Analysis
Social Media as a Spy Tool
The involvement of influencers marks a disturbing shift: content creators with impressive followings can serve as ideal covers for espionage—gathering intelligence under the pretext of innocuous, public-facing content.
Diplomatic Overtures are Misleading
High-profile attendance of Pakistani national celebrations within India indicates a strategy to legitimize espionage networks through diplomatic façades.
Precedent for Future Surveillance
Authorities will likely increase surveillance on travel vloggers, influencers with foreign ties, and content creators visiting countries perceived as hostile.
What Happens Next?
Extended Custody & Forensic Analysis: Police have secured further remand to examine Singh’s digital footprint, financial records, and links to other suspects.
Investigating Extended Networks: Probe is gathering momentum, with law enforcement scrutinizing travel records, communications, and financial transactions for signs of broader complicity.
Judicial Proceedings: Pending comprehensive evidence, Singh may face multiple charges under anti-espionage laws, which carry severe penalties.
Final Take
This case highlights the evolving threat landscape—where social media influence becomes a tool for espionage. Security agencies are now stepping up their watch on creators whose activities cross national borders, particularly when state intelligence may be involved.
(Sources: India Today, OpIndia, NDTV, Hindustan Times)
Comments