Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, May 19: Lucknow police have detained Shahzad, a businessman from Rampur, on suspicion of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), just days after the arrest of Haryana-based YouTuber and travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra on similar charges.

The Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Shahzad in Moradabad following intelligence reports of his involvement in cross-border smuggling and espionage activities. Officials revealed that Shahzad had frequently visited Pakistan under the guise of business trips, engaging in smuggling cosmetics, clothes, spices, and other goods. However, these operations allegedly served as a cover for his covert intelligence work for the ISI.

According to the STF, Shahzad passed sensitive national security information to his handlers in Pakistan and aided ISI operatives by providing Indian SIM cards and funds to facilitate their activities within India. Investigations also suggest he arranged for individuals from Rampur and other areas in Uttar Pradesh to be sent to Pakistan to work for the ISI, with visas secured by Pakistani agents.

An FIR (No. 04/25) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered at the ATS Police Station in Lucknow.

This arrest follows the recent detention of travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra, who was accused of spying and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani operatives. Malhotra, who visited Pakistan twice in 2023, allegedly maintained close contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish—a Pakistani High Commission staffer expelled from India earlier this month. Investigators allege Malhotra provided detailed intelligence on Indian military locations and movements while promoting a positive image of Pakistan through her social media.

Malhotra reportedly had personal ties with Pakistani intelligence operatives and traveled abroad with them, including a trip to Bali, Indonesia. The ongoing investigations continue to uncover links within a larger espionage network operating across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.