A Mohali court has sent popular YouTuber Jasbir Singh, known for his channel "Jaan Mahal" with over 1.1 million subscribers, to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with an alleged Pakistan-backed espionage network. Singh’s two-day police remand ended today, after which he was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody as investigations continue.
Espionage network under scanner
Singh’s arrest is part of a widening espionage probe that has also implicated Haryana-based vlogger Jyoti Malhotra. Authorities allege both were in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives, including ISI-linked Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a recently expelled official from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
Investigators say Singh attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi on Danish’s invitation, where he interacted with Pakistani army officials and vloggers. He reportedly traveled to Pakistan in 2020, 2021, and 2024, and his devices contained over 150 Pakistan-based contact numbers, including those of suspected ISI agents.
Digital evidence and allegations
Forensic teams recovered around 150 Pakistan-linked contacts from Singh’s devices, including numbers of ISI and embassy officials. Police allege Singh tried to erase digital traces of his communications after Malhotra’s arrest. He is accused of passing sensitive information about Indian Army movements and internal activities to Pakistan-based handlers.
Authorities are also probing Singh’s financial links and his association with other suspects, including a close female associate who accompanied him to Pakistan Day events and reportedly received funds from him.
Ongoing investigation
Both Jasbir Singh and Jyoti Malhotra remain in custody as Punjab Police’s State Special Operations Cell continues to analyze electronic devices and trace the full network. The case has raised concerns about the exploitation of Indian social media influencers by foreign intelligence agencies and the vulnerability of digital platforms to espionage activities.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has stated that the police are committed to dismantling the espionage-terror network and ensuring national security.
The investigation, which began with Malhotra’s arrest in May, has exposed a sophisticated espionage network allegedly run with Pakistani support, using influencers and vloggers as conduits. Authorities are focused on mapping the full extent of the network and preventing further leaks of sensitive information.