The Punjab Police’s State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) has uncovered a major espionage network involving a YouTuber from Rupnagar, allegedly linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives and terror-backed elements, officials revealed on Wednesday.
According to Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Jasbir Singh, a resident of Mahlan village and operator of the YouTube channel “Jaan Mahal”, was found to be associated with Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa. Jasbir also maintained contact with Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra (arrested earlier for spying) and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and former official of the Pakistan High Commission expelled from India.
Jasbir had attended Pakistan National Day celebrations in Delhi on Danish’s invitation, where he reportedly met Pakistani Army personnel and vloggers. Police confirmed that he had traveled to Pakistan three times — in 2020, 2021, and 2024 — and his devices contained several Pakistan-based contact numbers, currently under forensic examination.
Following the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, Jasbir allegedly tried to wipe clean his digital trail to avoid detection. An FIR has been registered at SSOC, Mohali, and investigations are ongoing to identify the wider network of collaborators.
In a related development, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested Gagandeep Singh alias Gagan, a resident of Tarn Taran, based on Counter-Intelligence inputs. Gagan is accused of sharing sensitive military information with Pakistan’s ISI and Khalistani supporter Gopal Singh Chawla, particularly relating to army movements during Operation Sindoor.
The Punjab Police reiterated its strong commitment to safeguarding national security and vowed to dismantle any networks that compromise India’s sovereignty and integrity.