Operation Sindoor Uncovers Growing Spy Network
In a major nationwide operation to counter espionage, Indian law enforcement agencies have arrested at least nine individuals from different states for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrests come on the heels of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed over 26 civilians, and the official launch of Operation Sindoor aimed at dismantling foreign intelligence networks.
The Accused: Arrests Across Three States
Since the operation began, arrests have been made across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, including:
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Shehzad (Rampur, UP)
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Jyoti Malhotra (Hisar, Haryana)
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Armaan (Nuh, Haryana)
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Mohammad Tarif (Nuh, Haryana)
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Nomaan Ilahi (Kairana, UP)
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Ghazala and Yaseen Mohammad (Malerkotla, Punjab)
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Devendra Singh Dhillon (Kaithal, Haryana)
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Mohammad Murtaza Ali (Jalandhar, Punjab; arrested by Gujarat Police)
Businessman Turned Informant: Shehzad’s Deep Ties with ISI
One of the most high-profile arrests is that of Shehzad, a businessman from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, who had reportedly travelled to Pakistan multiple times under the pretext of sourcing textiles. Authorities allege that he used these business trips to smuggle SIM cards, cash, and goods, while also recruiting locals to work for the ISI.
Shehzad has been booked under Sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), relating to conspiracy against the state and endangering national integrity. Investigators revealed that he was responsible for funding ISI assets in India and facilitating visa and travel arrangements for others to visit Pakistan under false pretenses.
Digital Espionage: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s Arrest
In another significant development, Jyoti Malhotra, a popular travel vlogger known as “Travel with Jo”, was arrested in Hisar, Haryana. With nearly 4 lakh YouTube subscribers, Malhotra is accused of passing military-related information to Ahsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a former official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
Malhotra had visited Pakistan twice in 2023, and authorities suspect her Kashmir travels were strategically aligned with her espionage activities. Her digital footprint and communication history are being scrutinized for links to foreign handlers.
New Arrests in Haryana’s Nuh District
The Nuh Police in Haryana have arrested Mohammad Tarif, just days after arresting Armaan, both accused of sharing strategic data with Pakistani handlers. Tarif is believed to be linked to employees of the Pakistan High Commission, with a case now registered at Taoru Sadar Police Station.
Armaan, a 26-year-old resident of Rajaka village, allegedly used WhatsApp and Telegram to send videos, photographs, and troop movement details to Pakistani contacts. Digital forensic analysis of his phone revealed alarming content, prompting a six-day police remand.
Punjab Arrests: Visa Connections and Social Media Trails
In Malerkotla, Punjab, two individuals — Ghazala and Yameen — were arrested for involvement in the same module. Ghazala is believed to have met “Danish” at the Pakistan High Commission during a visa application process in February, while Yameen had previously visited Pakistan twice.
Despite not traveling herself, Ghazala remained in active communication with handlers via Telegram and WhatsApp, raising red flags about the growing use of social platforms for espionage.
YouTuber in Odisha Questioned
The probe has now expanded to Odisha, where Puri-based YouTuber Priyanka Senapati was questioned over her connection with Malhotra. Senapati, who accompanied Malhotra during her September 2024 visit to Puri, claimed their association was purely professional. However, authorities are examining whether digital content creation is being used as a cover for intelligence gathering.
Authorities Warn of Broader Network
According to Puri SP Vinit Agrawal, investigations are ongoing, and officials are now exploring the existence of a wider espionage network possibly using influencers, traders, and social media channels to relay sensitive information abroad.
Ongoing Threat and National Security Alert
The coordinated arrests highlight the growing sophistication of Pakistan’s alleged espionage tactics in India — targeting not just military zones but also leveraging civilians and digital platforms. As Operation Sindoor progresses, officials say more arrests and disclosures are expected in the coming days.
