YouTuber Jasbir Singh Held in Espionage Probe, Alleged Ties to Pakistan-Based Operatives

The Punjab Police have arrested Rupnagar-based YouTuber Jasbir Singh for his alleged involvement in a suspected espionage network with links to Pakistan-based handlers and terror outfits. Singh, who operates a YouTube channel called Jaan Mahal, was taken into custody following an intelligence-led operation by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Mohali. Authorities have since launched a detailed investigation into his activities.

“Acting swiftly on actionable intelligence, SSOC Mohali has unearthed a critical espionage network linked to Jasbir Singh, a resident of Village Mahlan, Rupnagar,” said Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav. According to the DGP, Singh attended Pakistan’s National Day event in Delhi on the invitation of a Pakistani High Commission staffer named Danish. During the event, he reportedly met with Pakistani Army officials and vloggers.

Investigations further revealed that Singh had travelled to Pakistan on three occasions – in 2020, 2021, and 2024. Forensic analysis of his seized electronic devices uncovered multiple Pakistan-based contact numbers, which are currently under scrutiny.

Following the arrest of another accused, Jyoti Malhotra, Singh allegedly attempted to erase his communication history with several Pakistan-origin individuals in an effort to cover his tracks. “Investigations are underway to dismantle the broader espionage-terror network and identify all collaborators,” said DGP Yadav. “@PunjabPoliceInd reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security and neutralising all threats posed by such anti-national elements,” he added.

Jasbir Singh's arrest follows that of Hisar native Jyoti Malhotra, who ran a YouTube channel called Travel with JO. She was arrested recently in the New Aggarsain Extension area and booked under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Although no evidence has emerged showing that Malhotra had access to defence or military intelligence, Hisar Police confirmed she knowingly maintained contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Authorities revealed that Malhotra had been in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, since November 2023. Danish was expelled by the Indian government on 13 May for his alleged involvement in espionage activities.

Malhotra is also reported to have travelled to Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and other countries. She allegedly remained in contact with Danish during the brief military conflict that erupted between India and Pakistan following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.

So far, 12 individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been arrested in connection with this suspected spy ring, as investigators work to uncover the full extent of the espionage network and its operations across northern India. The case remains under investigation by multiple intelligence and security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and military intelligence.​