Pakistan ‘spy ring’: Operations underway; many YouTube channels under police scanner

At least 12 people, including two women, have so far been arrested from different states on charges of espionage in the last two weeks after the military confrontation between India and Pakistan. The investigations have pointed to an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India.

A top Haryana officer said on Tuesday that the operation is still underway to find if more people are involved in the anti-India espionage racket.

"The operation continues. More people who could be involved (in it) and action will be taken (against them)," Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sumita Misra said. She was talking to media after a meeting with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to review the state’s law-and-order situation.

Misra said the authorities are keeping a tab on several YouTube channels and also scrutinising the social media platforms to check if anyone is spreading misinformation or propaganda.

"Strict action will be taken against any objectional link," the officer said, adding that "it is an unfolding situation and many things may emerge (as investigations progress)".

Those arrested included Haryana resident Jyoti Malhotra, whose YouTube channel (Travel with JO) and Instagram accounts have 3.77 lakh subscribers and 1.33 lakh followers respectively. Another woman arrested in the case is Punjab resident Guzala.

According to police, both Jyoti and Guzala were in touch with Pakistani officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Malhotra, who was arrested from the New Aggarsain Extension on May 16, is being questioned by the National Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau and military intelligence officials.

The agencies are also probing her travel details, as she had reportedly visited Pakistan, China and some other countries.