Punjab Police Arrests YouTuber Jasbir Singh for Pakistan Espionage, Links to ISI Network Exposed
Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested another YouTuber, Jasbir Singh, who operates the popular “Jaan Mahal” channel with over 1.1 million subscribers, for his alleged involvement in a Pakistan-backed espionage network linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Singh, a resident of Mahlan village in Rupnagar district, was taken into custody by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, based on actionable intelligence about his suspicious activities and connections with Pakistani operatives.
This arrest marks the second digital content creator detained in recent weeks, following the capture of Haryana-based Jyoti Malhotra, with whom Singh maintained regular contact as part of the alleged spy network.
According to Punjab Police investigations, Singh was closely linked to Pakistani intelligence officer Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, described as a person of Indian origin suspected to be operating for the ISI.
Singh also maintained ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and former official at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi who was previously expelled on espionage charges.
Officials revealed that Singh attended the Pakistan National Day celebration at the Pakistani Embassy in Delhi on Danish’s invitation, where he interacted with Pakistani Army personnel and vloggers.
Investigations show Singh made three trips to Pakistan in 2020, 2021, and 2024, raising serious security concerns about his activities during these visits.
Forensic analysis of Singh’s electronic devices has revealed several Pakistan-based contact numbers, which are now under investigation by security agencies.
Following Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest, Singh allegedly attempted to delete all traces of communication with ISI-linked operatives, suggesting awareness of the criminal nature of his activities.
Punjab Police confirmed the arrest in a detailed post on X, stating: “Jasbir Singh, who operates a #YouTube channel called ‘Jaan Mahal’, has been found associated with PIO Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, part of a terror-backed espionage network.”
“He also maintained close contact with #Haryana-based #YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra (arrested for spying) and Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a #Pakistani national and expelled Pak High Commission official,” the statement added.
“Investigations are underway to dismantle the broader espionage-terror network and identify all collaborators,” police said.
This arrest is part of a larger crackdown on Pakistan-backed espionage activities in Punjab. So far, Punjab Police has arrested seven persons for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
Earlier arrests include Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih from Ajnala in Amritsar, and 31-year-old woman Guzala and Yameen Mohamad, both residents of Malerkotla, who were taken into custody last month.
Two more persons, Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh, were later arrested by police from Gurdaspur for sharing sensitive military information with the ISI.
The use of social media influencers and content creators for espionage activities represents a new dimension in Pakistan’s intelligence operations against India, security experts note.
