Punjab Police arrests YouTuber Jasbir Singh on espionage charges. He had links with a Pakistani official and Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra. He had traveled to Pakistan three times.
Punjab: Punjab Police has again uncovered a significant Pakistani espionage network operating within the state. This time, the arrest is of YouTuber Jasbir Singh, apprehended in Mohali. He is accused of being involved in a Pakistan-operated intelligence network and posing a threat to national security. Jasbir is reportedly linked to Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and expelled Pakistani diplomat Ehsan-ur-Rehim, alias Danish.
DGP releases information
Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav announced the arrest via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He stated that the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) conducted an operation in Mohali to arrest Jasbir Singh. Jasbir is originally from Mahalan village in Rupnagar district and runs a YouTube channel called 'Jaan Mahal'.
Connection with a PIO agent
Jasbir Singh was in contact with PIO (Person of Indian Origin) agent Shakir, alias Jatt Randhawa, already under suspicion for allegedly spying for Pakistan. It has also emerged that Jasbir was in contact with individuals linked to Pakistan's intelligence agency and shared sensitive information with these agents.
Evidence of communication with Jyoti Malhotra
According to sources, Jasbir Singh's name surfaced during the interrogation of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, recently arrested from Hisar, Haryana. Investigations revealed multiple conversations between Jasbir and Jyoti. It is believed that Jyoti facilitated a meeting between Jasbir and the expelled Pakistani official, Ehsan-ur-Rehim, alias Danish.
Incriminating evidence found on phone
Examination of Jasbir's mobile phone revealed photographs and videos posing a serious threat to national security. The phone also contained several contact numbers linked to Pakistani agencies, saved under different names to avoid suspicion.
Three trips to Pakistan
Investigations revealed that Jasbir Singh visited Pakistan three times – in 2020, 2021, and 2024. During these visits, he attended events in Pakistan, including an invitation to a Pakistani National Day celebration in Delhi. At this event, he met with Pakistani army officials and vloggers.
Attempt to erase evidence
Following Jyoti Malhotra's arrest, Jasbir feared exposure of his network. He attempted to delete all chats, recordings, and photos from his mobile phone. However, the police cyber team recovered this data. The phone has been sent for forensic analysis.
Court appearance and remand request
The arrested accused, Jasbir Singh, will be produced before the Mohali District Court today. Police plan to seek his remand for further interrogation. Police suspect that more individuals may be involved in this network.
Security agencies on alert
Following Jasbir's arrest, state and central intelligence agencies have been alerted. Previously, several individuals from Punjab have been arrested on espionage charges, having been in contact with Pakistani agencies through social media platforms and digital means.
