Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 19: Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s robust response through Operation Sindoor, Indian authorities have arrested at least nine individuals across three states for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The arrests include influencers, students, businessmen, and security personnel, signaling a disturbing trend in espionage activity.
According to officials, four of the arrests were made in Haryana, three in Punjab, and two in Uttar Pradesh.
Among the arrested is travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel Travel with JO. A native of Hisar, Haryana, the 33-year-old was found to be in contact with an official from the Pakistan High Commission and had reportedly travelled to Pakistan twice. Police say she was being cultivated by Pakistani intelligence as a potential asset.
In Patiala, Davendra Singh Dhillon, a 25-year-old political science student from Khalsa College, was arrested in Haryana’s Kaithal for sharing sensitive photos, including images of Patiala’s military cantonment. He had allegedly visited Pakistan in November last year and shared intelligence with the ISI.
Nauman Ilahi, 24, a security guard from Panipat, was arrested after it was found he was receiving money through his brother-in-law’s account in exchange for supplying military information to Pakistan.
In Haryana’s Nuh district, two men — Arman (23) and Tarif — were taken into custody. Arman was arrested on May 16, and two days later, Tarif was picked up from Kangarka village. Police said Tarif attempted to delete chats and data linked to Pakistani WhatsApp numbers when confronted.
From Uttar Pradesh, Shahzad, a businessman from Rampur, was held by the STF in Moradabad. Known for frequent visits to Pakistan, he allegedly passed security-related information to his handlers and was also involved in smuggling goods like cosmetics and spices.
Another key arrest was that of Mohammad Murtaza Ali, who was nabbed by Gujarat Police in Punjab’s Jalandhar. Intelligence reports indicated he spied for the ISI using a mobile app he had personally developed. Multiple phones and SIM cards were recovered from him.
In addition, two more suspects — Gazala and Yamin Mohammad — were detained from Punjab on similar espionage charges.
The arrests come amid a climate of escalated military and intelligence vigilance following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan-backed terrorists for the massacre. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK.
After Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attack was thwarted, India struck back, targeting airfields in Pakistan. A ceasefire was declared on May 10 after four days of hostilities.
The arrest of young influencers and students has alarmed authorities. Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan warned that enemy nations are targeting youth, especially digital content creators, luring them with money to engage in espionage.
These developments highlight an urgent need for vigilance and awareness as Pakistan continues to use unconventional means to exploit internal vulnerabilities, officials said.