India Arrests 9 Spies Linked to ISI Espionage Network
In a major counterintelligence operation, Indian security agencies have arrested nine individuals across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrests come amid heightened vigilance following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, and highlight the increasing complexity of espionage networks operating within India.
Key Accused Include YouTuber, Student, and Businessman
Among those arrested is Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber from Haryana, who is accused of maintaining prolonged contact with Pakistani handlers, including during critical military operations. Authorities allege she disguised her communications by saving contacts under misleading names like “Jatt Randhawa.”
Another detainee, Devendra Singh Dhillon, a 25-year-old political science student from Haryana, drew attention after posting images of weapons on social media. Investigators suspect he was influenced and groomed for espionage through online channels.
Shahzad Wahab, a businessman from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, is believed to have exploited his trading links to pass information and facilitate ISI communication. In Nuh, Haryana, an individual named Tarif has also been apprehended for allegedly supplying classified data to Pakistan.
These individuals represent a concerning trend—ISI operatives are increasingly targeting people from diverse backgrounds, including the education, business, and social media sectors, to build intelligence networks within India.
Modus Operandi of the Spy Ring
Investigations have uncovered that the arrested individuals used multiple tactics to stay under the radar. These include the use of encrypted messaging apps, fake identities, and SIM cards acquired through fraudulent means. Jyoti Malhotra’s phone records and communications are under detailed scrutiny, with officials noting the use of proxy names and international numbers to avoid detection.
Security officials stated that the arrested spies had been passing operational details, photographs, and sensitive infrastructure information to their handlers across the border. Some were allegedly involved in providing reconnaissance footage, possibly aiding recent attacks or planning future ones.
National Security Response and Warnings
The arrests have triggered a deeper investigation into the full extent of the ISI’s espionage network in India. Intelligence agencies believe this could be part of a larger web activated post-Operation Sindoor as retaliation. Authorities have intensified surveillance in border states and are probing if more recruits are embedded in sensitive zones.
Officials have also expressed concern about how easily social media influencers and small-time operators are being turned into assets. With the growing reach of platforms like YouTube and Telegram, new vulnerabilities in India’s internal security landscape are emerging.
Security agencies have called for the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. A greater emphasis is being placed on digital literacy and counter-propaganda to reduce the success rate of ISI’s recruitment tactics.
