In an intensified national crackdown on cross-border espionage, Jasbir Singh a popular YouTuber from Punjab’s Rupnagar district has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with Pakistani intelligence agents. The arrest was made by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Mohali after a probe into an expanding surveillance ring with connections to Pakistan.
Singh, who runs a travel-focused YouTube channel called “Jaan Mahal”, commands over 1.1 million subscribers and frequently posts content on global destinations. Officials say he was in contact with a suspected ISI operative known as Shakir, also referred to as Jutt Randhawa, believed to be of Indian origin but working for Pakistan’s spy agency.
Authorities claim Singh also had a direct relationship with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani national who formerly served in the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Danish was previously expelled from India on espionage allegations. Investigations reveal Singh’s presence at the Pakistan National Day celebration at the embassy in Delhi an event he attended on Danish’s invitation. There, he reportedly interacted with military personnel from Pakistan and other content creators.
Singh had traveled to Pakistan three times in 2020, 2021, and 2024 and after the recent arrest of another YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, Singh is said to have attempted to scrub his digital communications with foreign operatives. Forensic analysis of his devices unearthed multiple contact numbers with Pakistani origins, which are now being scrutinised for further intelligence.
Youtuber Held for ISI Links, Sought Marriage in Pakistan
This case is part of a wider national investigation into espionage activities allegedly facilitated through digital content creators. Malhotra, who ran the channel “Travel with JO”, was apprehended in May from Hisar, Haryana. She had also visited Pakistan several times and was in touch with multiple ISI agents, including Danish. Her chats reportedly included requests to facilitate a marriage in Pakistan, pointing to a deeper connection with foreign handlers.
Though Hisar police found no evidence that Malhotra accessed classified military data, officials confirmed her continued communication with known Pakistani intelligence operatives. Her case gained further urgency after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, during which she was allegedly in touch with one of the accused.
The widening net has already led to the arrest of over a dozen suspects across multiple states. Those under custody include Davendra Singh Dhillon, a Khalsa College student in Patiala accused of leaking photos of a military cantonment, and Nauman Ilahi, a security guard in Haryana allegedly receiving funds through his brother-in-law’s account for similar activities.
The Punjab Police have also arrested additional suspects linked to the network: Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih from Ajnala in Amritsar, Guzala and Yameen Mohammad from Malerkotla, and Sukhpreet Singh along with Karanbir Singh from Gurdaspur. All are accused of passing sensitive military or strategic information to ISI handlers.
Jasbir Singh Spy Case Triggers Nationwide Probe
According to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, a full-scale operation is underway to expose and neutralise the broader espionage ring. In a public statement, he emphasised that Singh’s digital footprints and associations have been logged, and further arrests may follow. The case has attracted the attention of national intelligence agencies including the IB, NIA, and Military Intelligence, all working in coordination to prevent further leaks.
Investigations remain active, with law enforcement determined to track down every individual tied to this covert operation, which threatens India’s internal security and sovereignty.
