Popular YouTuber Jasbir Singh, known for his travel vlogs, is now behind bars, charged with espionage. Investigations reveal his multiple trips to Pakistan and erased communications with Pakistani intelligence operatives, painting a grim picture of a trusted figure operating a dangerous double life.
BY PC Bureau
June 4, 2025 – Following the recent arrest of prominent Rupnagar-based YouTuber Jasbir Singh for his alleged involvement in a terror-backed espionage network, Punjab Police’s State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) continues to peel back layers of a sophisticated spy ring operating under the guise of social media influencers. Singh’s apprehension, which occurred earlier this week, marks a significant escalation in India’s concerted efforts to neutralize foreign intelligence threats.
Jasbir Singh, who commands a substantial online presence through his “Jaan Mahal” YouTube channel with over 1.1 million subscribers, stands accused of supplying sensitive intelligence to Pakistani handlers.
His channel primarily features travel vlogs and insights into daily life, with a stated aim of showcasing Punjab and its culture. He has been active on YouTube since 2008, with nearly 3,000 videos uploaded prior to his arrest.
READ: Jaan Mahal’s Dark Secret: Punjab Vlogger Held for Pak Links
“His activities posed a significant threat to national security,” stated a police source, as the investigation delves deeper into the nature of the information allegedly shared, including reports of “classified details, including troop deployments and strategic locations.”
Mahalan village, Rupnagar, Punjab! Jasbir Singh arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan ISI! Runs a YouTube channel called “Jaan Mahal”. Seen in photos & videos with the arrested spy Jyoti Malhotra during a visit to Pakistan pic.twitter.com/ZRhHKgIn4O
— Kalu Singh Chouhan (@kscChouhan) June 4, 2025
Deepening Connections and Mounting Evidence:
The SSOC’s ongoing probe has brought to light a web of incriminating connections and activities attributed to Jasbir Singh:
- Direct Link to PIO Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa: Investigators have established a direct association between Singh and Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, identified as a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO) and a key component of the terror-backed spying racket.
- Ties to Expelled Pakistani Diplomat: Singh maintained frequent communication with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani national and former official of the Pakistan High Commission in India, who was expelled on May 13, 2025, for alleged espionage. Notably, Singh reportedly attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi at Danish’s specific invitation, where he is believed to have met with Pakistani army officials and vloggers.
- Concealed Communications with Jyoti Malhotra: His connection to Jyoti Malhotra, another Haryana-based YouTuber previously arrested on espionage charges, is proving critical. Following Malhotra’s arrest, Jasbir Singh reportedly attempted to erase all traces of his digital communications with these Pakistani intelligence operatives, an action that further raised suspicion and provided a key lead for investigators.
- Multiple Covert Trips to Pakistan: Police have confirmed that Jasbir Singh traveled to Pakistan on three separate occasions in 2020, 2021, and 2024. While he posted travel vlogs from these visits on his “Jaan Mahal” channel, including a recent one in April 2024 showcasing locations like Nankana Sahib and Lahore, authorities suspect these trips were utilized for illicit intelligence exchanges.
- Forensic Breakthroughs from Devices: Forensic analysis of Singh’s seized electronic devices has yielded crucial evidence, including multiple Pakistan-based phone numbers, strongly indicating extensive and consistent contact with individuals across the border.
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Expanding Spy Network Under Joint Scrutiny:
Jasbir Singh’s arrest is a pivotal moment in a larger, multi-state operation targeting a sprawling espionage-terror network. This network is believed to be orchestrated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and potentially includes elements linked to Khalistani separatist groups.
- Over a Dozen Arrests: So far, more than twelve individuals have been apprehended across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with this expanding network, underscoring its significant reach.
- Jyoti Malhotra’s Ongoing Case: The case of Jyoti Malhotra, who operated the “Travel with JO” YouTube channel, remains under intense scrutiny. Charged under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for her contacts with Pakistani intelligence operatives (including Danish), her consistent communications with PIOs and unusual travel patterns (such as frequent trips to Varanasi before or after Pakistan visits) are being thoroughly examined by agencies including NIA, IB, and Military Intelligence. Over 12 terabytes of digital data have reportedly been recovered from her devices.
- Other Collaborators Identified: In a related development, Gagandeep Singh, alias Gagan, from Tarn Taran, was also arrested for allegedly sharing classified details with PIOs, facilitated through Pakistan-based Khalistani supporter Gopal Singh Chawla.
The Punjab Police, in close coordination with other Indian intelligence agencies, is conducting comprehensive financial and technical investigations. The aim is to trace all remaining linkages and establish the full scope of this significant espionage network. This coordinated series of arrests underscores a firm resolve by Indian authorities to counter and neutralize all threats to national security.
