Punjab YouTuber Jasbir Singh Arrested in Espionage Case Tied to Pakistan Network
CHANDIGARH, June 4 — In a deepening investigation into a suspected Pakistan-backed espionage network, the Punjab Police have arrested Jasbir Singh, a YouTuber based in Rupnagar, on charges of spying and maintaining links with foreign intelligence operatives. Singh is the second digital content creator to be apprehended in the matter, following the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber from Haryana, who is already under judicial custody in a similar case.
YouTube Presence and Arrest
Singh, known online for operating a YouTube channel titled “Jaan Mahal”, was taken into custody by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, after investigations reportedly uncovered his proximity to individuals associated with Pakistani intelligence. Police sources confirmed that his arrest was facilitated by digital evidence linking him to a cross-border network, including several phone numbers and online communications originating from Pakistan.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that Singh had not only maintained active communication with certain Pakistan-based individuals, but also attempted to erase digital records in the wake of Malhotra’s arrest last month.
Repeated Visits to Pakistan Raise Red Flags
Authorities have confirmed that Jasbir Singh visited Pakistan on at least three separate occasions — in 2020, 2021, and again in 2024. While travel across the border by Indian citizens is permitted under certain circumstances, law enforcement officials flagged Singh’s repeated visits as suspicious, particularly given the individuals he reportedly interacted with during those trips.
Investigators noted that Singh was invited to attend Pakistan National Day events in New Delhi, where he is believed to have met individuals associated with the Pakistan Army and several vloggers who are now under the scanner for possible intelligence affiliations. The events were reportedly facilitated by Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a former Pakistani High Commission official who was expelled from India for “undesirable activities.”
Links with Previously Arrested Jyoti Malhotra
Singh’s connection with Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested last month in a similar espionage case, is now a central focus of the investigation. According to officials, Singh and Malhotra were in frequent contact over encrypted messaging platforms. They allegedly coordinated their content creation in ways that sometimes included narratives or visuals designed to appeal to Pakistani audiences.
Malhotra, a self-styled journalist and YouTuber from Haryana, had earlier drawn suspicion for content that Indian intelligence officials now believe may have been indirectly influenced by cross-border operatives. Her arrest has already led to wider scrutiny of digital creators who appear to maintain unexplained international connections.
Pakistani Intelligence Links Under Probe
The Punjab Police have also named Shakir, alias Jutt Randhawa, a Pakistan-based Person of Indian Origin (PIO), as a key link in the network. Shakir reportedly facilitated introductions between Singh and intelligence operatives in Pakistan and helped manage encrypted communications between the accused and handlers across the border.
Devices seized from Singh’s residence in Rupnagar are currently being subjected to forensic examination. According to officers familiar with the probe, the devices contain contact logs, chat records, and media files that could potentially reveal the full extent of Singh’s engagements with Pakistan-linked individuals.
Attempt to Cover Tracks After Malhotra’s Arrest
Police sources claim that Singh initiated a digital wipe of communication records shortly after news of Malhotra’s arrest broke in late May. This action, officials believe, was a deliberate attempt to hinder the investigation and conceal links to the espionage network. Despite his efforts, forensic teams have reportedly managed to retrieve fragments of data which corroborate suspicions of espionage-related communication.
An FIR under the Official Secrets Act has been registered against Singh at the SSOC Mohali office. He is currently in police remand and will be presented before a court later this week. A senior police official familiar with the case said, “This is not an isolated incident. We believe there is a wider nexus of online influencers and individuals working in coordination with external agencies.”
Espionage via Social Media Under National Scrutiny
The arrests of Singh and Malhotra have triggered serious concerns within national security circles about the potential misuse of social media platforms for cross-border espionage. The increasing reach and influence of independent digital content creators have created blind spots in traditional surveillance systems, officials suggest.
“In many cases, these individuals portray themselves as patriotic or simply entertainment-focused content creators,” said a senior intelligence official. “But behind the scenes, they are sometimes being used to collect open-source intelligence or even to disseminate carefully crafted narratives.”
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly monitoring the case closely, and further coordination with central intelligence agencies is underway. The matter is also being examined for its implications on visa protocols and security clearances granted for travel to Pakistan.
What Lies Ahead
The SSOC has indicated that more arrests could follow in the coming weeks as digital forensics continue. Meanwhile, Jyoti Malhotra’s next court hearing is scheduled for June 9, where her counsel is expected to challenge the charges under the Official Secrets Act. Singh’s legal representation is yet to be confirmed.
As the investigation unfolds, state police and national agencies appear to be shifting focus toward a new category of concern — the intersection of digital content creation and national security. Whether Singh and Malhotra were knowingly involved in espionage or were manipulated into compromising activities remains to be established through judicial proceedings.
A senior officer summed up the gravity of the situation: “This case has exposed a sophisticated attempt to infiltrate through soft platforms. It’s a warning call to tighten digital surveillance, not just on state actors, but also on influencers with unexplained international liaisons.”
Written by Raj C. & Amit S. | Published on 4 June 2025 | Source: India Today
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Raj Chaubey is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, specializing in political and geopolitical news. As a student at Delhi University, Raj combines academic rigor with a commitment to investigative journalism, aiming to uncover the broader implications of current events. His daily articles strive to offer our audience a deeper understanding of complex political landscapes and their global connections.
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
- Raj Chaubeyhttps://hindustanherald.com/authors/raj_c/
