National: In a significant breakthrough for national security, a popular YouTuber and three accomplices have been apprehended for allegedly engaging in espionage activities on behalf of Pakistan. Security agencies revealed that the accused were actively communicating with their handlers across the border, even during the recent widespread power outages in northern India.
The individuals arrested have been identified as Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber hailing from Hisar; Nauman Elahi, a security guard residing in Panipat, Uttar Pradesh; Devender Singh Dhillon, a resident of Kaithal; and Arman, a Class XII dropout from Rajaka village in Nuh. These individuals are currently being jointly interrogated by various central and state intelligence agencies to uncover the full extent of their involvement.
According to an official source, Jyoti Malhotra’s activities raised serious concerns, particularly her movements and communications leading up to their apprehension. “Even on May 6, the day preceding the covert Operation Sindoor, Malhotra travelled to New Delhi and maintained contact with her handler, identified as Danish, who is reportedly associated with the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, along with other individuals,” the source stated. Investigators have reportedly identified similar patterns of suspicious activity among the other three accused, especially during periods of heightened national security concerns and significant national events.
Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Sawan highlighted a potentially broader dimension to Malhotra’s alleged role. “In modern warfare, adversaries often attempt to cultivate a favourable narrative. The involvement of Malhotra suggests she may have been assisting them in shaping such narratives. This indicates a concerning trend of how influencers and YouTubers are being potentially recruited,” Sawan explained.
Intelligence sources further indicated that central agencies had been monitoring Malhotra for an extended period. Her lifestyle, coupled with frequent domestic and international travel, triggered suspicions of potential foreign sponsorship. Authorities also revealed that another YouTuber from Odisha is currently under surveillance in connection with similar concerns.
The investigation has also unearthed a significant link to established espionage networks. Arman, one of the arrested individuals, was found to be in contact with Pakistani handlers through a known terrorist intermediary. He allegedly facilitated the communication by providing Indian SIM cards, procured using his own identification, to Pakistani operatives. Furthermore, he is accused of attending a defence expo and subsequently relaying crucial details to foreign intelligence agencies. Arman, who was reportedly posing as a job seeker in New Delhi, was apprehended in Firozpur Jhirka on the night of May 15.
The arrest of these individuals underscores the growing vulnerability of digital platforms and the potential exploitation of online influencers by hostile foreign entities engaged in information warfare. Authorities have stated that further investigations are actively underway to dismantle the entire network and ascertain the full scope of the compromised information.
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