In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, Indian security agencies have intensified their counter-espionage operations, leading to the arrest of several individuals across the country for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These arrests span various states and involve individuals from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the extensive reach and sophistication of the espionage network.
1. Jyoti Malhotra (Hisar, Haryana)
- Profile: Travel blogger and YouTuber known for her channel “Desi-Indo-Joe.”
- Arrest Details: Arrested in May 2025 under the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities allege she was in contact with ISI-linked individuals and was being developed as a Pakistani asset. Investigations revealed she maintained communication with Pakistani handlers during sensitive security operations, including Operation Sindoor. (@EconomicTimes)
2. Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih (Amritsar, Punjab)
- Profile: Daily-wage laborers with a history of substance abuse.
- Arrest Details: Arrested on May 3, 2025, for allegedly leaking sensitive information, including photographs of military installations and troop movements in Amritsar, to Pakistani intelligence operatives. They were reportedly in contact with Harpreet Singh, an inmate in Amritsar Central Jail, who facilitated their communication with Pakistani handlers.
3. Pathan Khan (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan)
- Profile: Resident of Jaisalmer district.
- Arrest Details: Arrested on May 1, 2025, for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s ISI. He had visited Pakistan in 2013, where he was reportedly lured with money and trained for espionage activities. Khan continued to share sensitive information related to the Jaisalmer International Border with Pakistani handlers even after his initial visit.
4. Sahdavsinh Gohil (Kutch, Gujarat)
- Profile: 28-year-old health worker.
- Arrest Details: Arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad in May 2025 for allegedly spying for Pakistan. This case marks the third arrest related to espionage in the coastal districts of Gujarat since October of the previous year, indicating a concerning pattern of security breaches in the region. (@EconomicTimes)
5. CRPF Jawan (Name Withheld)
- Profile: Member of the Central Reserve Police Force.
- Arrest Details: On May 26, 2025, a Delhi court granted the National Investigation Agency custody of the jawan, who had been arrested on charges of espionage. He is accused of leaking sensitive information to intelligence officers from Pakistan in exchange for monetary compensation. (The Times of India)
As of now, no publicly available photographs or identifying details of the CRPF jawan arrested in May 2025 for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan’s intelligence officers have been released by authorities or media outlets. Due to the sensitive nature of the case and ongoing investigations, the identity of the jawan remains undisclosed.
According to reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took custody of the jawan following his arrest on charges of espionage. The court granted the NIA 15-day custody to gather further details regarding the information passed on by the jawan and his links across the border.
6. Additional Arrests Across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh
In a broader crackdown, Indian security agencies have arrested several individuals, including a businessman named Shahzad and student Devendra Singh Dhillon, for allegedly being part of an ISI-operated espionage network. The suspects are accused of roles ranging from spying and aiding enemy operations to facilitating cross-border smuggling. Authorities traced part of the network through the use of a mobile app, leading to multiple arrests across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
These arrests underscore the heightened vigilance and counter-espionage efforts by Indian authorities in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. The involvement of individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions indicates a widespread network of espionage activities aimed at compromising India’s national security. The coordination between local operatives and Pakistani handlers highlights the sophisticated methods employed in these espionage operations.
The Indian government continues to investigate these cases to uncover the full extent of the espionage network and prevent future security breaches.
Other Notable Cases In Recent Years
Sharjeel Imam: No Espionage Charges
Sharjeel Imam, a Ph.D. student from Jawaharlal Nehru University, was arrested in January 2020 on charges of sedition related to inflammatory speeches during anti-CAA protests. While he has faced legal proceedings for his speeches, there is no public record or credible information linking him to espionage activities or spying for Pakistan.
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Madhuri Gupta: An Indian diplomat arrested in 2010 for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan’s ISI. Wikipedia
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Sarabjit Singh: An Indian national convicted of terrorism and espionage by a Pakistani court, though his case remains controversial with claims of mistaken identity. Wikipedia
These cases highlight the ongoing challenges in safeguarding national security and the diverse methods employed in espionage activities.