Jyoti Malhotra and Jasbir Singh were together in Lahore for 10 days—Know the shocking revelations made during interrogation

A widening espionage probe has put Indian YouTubers Jyoti Malhotra and Jasbir Singh under the scanner, with authorities alleging they were part of a Pakistan-backed spy network. Here’s what the investigation has uncovered so far:

The case broke open in May with the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana, accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Shortly after, Punjab Police arrested Jasbir Singh, a popular YouTuber from Rupnagar (channel: “Jaan Mahal”), for alleged links to the same network.

What have investigators found?

• Network with Pakistani Handlers: Police say Jasbir Singh and Jyoti Malhotra were both in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives, including Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, believed to be linked to Pakistan’s ISI, and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, an expelled official from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
• Meetings & Events: Jasbir attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danish’s invitation, where he interacted with Pakistani army officials and vloggers. Both Singh and Malhotra were introduced at Pakistan embassy events and reportedly traveled together to Pakistan for Sikh pilgrimages and vlogging.
• Multiple Visits to Pakistan: Jasbir Singh traveled to Pakistan in 2020, 2021, and 2024. His devices contained numerous Pakistan-based contact numbers, including those of suspected ISI agents. He also visited other countries, raising questions about the extent of his network.
• Digital Evidence: After Malhotra’s arrest, Singh tried to erase digital traces of his communications with Pakistani handlers and other Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) involved. Forensic teams, however, recovered around 150 Pakistan-linked contacts from his devices, including numbers of ISI agents and embassy officials.
• Sensitive Information: Police allege Singh was passing on details about Indian Army movements and other internal activities to Pakistan-based handlers.
• Links to other suspects: Singh was also in touch with another PIO, Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, believed to be a key figure in the espionage ring. The network is suspected to have more collaborators, and efforts are ongoing to identify them.

What’s next?

• Ongoing Investigation:
Both Malhotra and Singh are in custody. Their electronic devices are under forensic analysis, and a wider investigation is underway to map the full network and uncover additional collaborators.
• Official Statement: Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has stated the police are committed to dismantling the espionage-terror network and ensuring national security.

The bottom line

The investigation so far has exposed a sophisticated espionage network allegedly run with Pakistani support, using social media influencers and vloggers as conduits. Authorities are now focused on tracing the full extent of the network and preventing further leaks of sensitive information.