New Delhi: A Pakistani businesswoman identified as Naushaba Shahzad Masood, alias ‘Madam N’, has emerged as a key figure in a widening espionage investigation involving Indian social media influencers and YouTubers. Indian agencies suspect she played a pivotal role in cultivating a spy network targeting strategic information within India.
Masood, who operates a travel agency in Lahore named Jaiyana Travel and Tourism, is reportedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigators believe she facilitated travel for several Indian influencers — including arrested YouTuber Jyoti Rani Malhotra — under the guise of tourism to establish sleeper cells.
According to intelligence sources, Masood allegedly helped at least 3,000 Indian nationals and 1,500 NRIs visit Pakistan in the past six months. Many of these visits were fast-tracked through her reported contacts in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, including visa officer Danish alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman — recently expelled by India for suspected espionage.
The Punjab Police’s State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) on Tuesday arrested Jasbir Singh, another YouTuber from Mohali, in connection with this ISI-backed ring. Singh, who ran the ‘JaanMahal Video’ channel, was reportedly in direct contact with both Malhotra and Danish.
Authorities suspect Masood specifically targeted Sikh and Hindu influencers, allegedly introducing them to ISI officials during their visits. Her agency, the sole organiser of Sikh-Hindu pilgrimages from India to Pakistan, allegedly became a cover for espionage recruitment.
Masood is said to have used Indian-based travel agents to promote her company and recruit influencers willing to collaborate with Pakistani intelligence.
Notably, around 15 individuals have been arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh so far in connection with this growing cross-border spy scandal.
