Rupnagar/Mohali (National Times): In a major breakthrough in an ongoing espionage investigation, Jasbir Singh, a 41-year-old YouTuber from Mahlan village in Punjab’s Rupnagar district, has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody. Singh was arrested by the Punjab Police’s State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) for his alleged involvement in an espionage ring connected to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Singh, who operated the popular YouTube channel “Jaan Mahal” with over 1.1 million subscribers, is accused of leaking sensitive details about Indian Army deployments and classified defence-related information to Pakistani handlers.
Links to Pakistan and ISI Agents
Investigators revealed that Singh had travelled to Pakistan thrice between 2020 and 2024, where he is believed to have met with ISI agents. He also reportedly attended a Pakistan National Day event in New Delhi, where additional contact with Pakistani operatives allegedly took place.
A forensic review of Singh’s electronic devices uncovered more than 150 contacts linked to Pakistan, including personnel believed to be from the ISI and Pakistan’s military. Alarmingly, authorities say Singh attempted to wipe incriminating data and uninstall apps from his devices shortly after the arrest of influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who is also under investigation in a related espionage case.
Broader Espionage Network Under Scrutiny
The investigation has widened to include other potential collaborators. Among them is Nasir Dhillon, a former Pakistani police officer turned YouTuber, who is suspected of acting as a conduit between Singh and ISI operatives.
On Monday, a Mohali court formally remanded Singh to 14 days of judicial custody, marking a pivotal development in the case. Authorities say further inquiry will focus on tracking financial transactions, digital communication, and possible recruitment of other social media influencers.
National Security Concerns Rise
Singh’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the digital content creator community and raised urgent questions about the exploitation of influencers by foreign intelligence services. Officials stress that such platforms may be increasingly targeted for psychological operations and covert propaganda.
The investigation continues as security agencies work to unravel the full extent of the espionage network.
