Pakistani spies in India: In a massive nationwide crackdown under “Operation Sindoor,” Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered a shocking espionage network. Ten individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, leaking sensitive military and security information.
Let’s take a detailed look at the people involved in this alarming case.
Table of Contents
1. Gazala – Spy from Punjab
Gazala, a woman from Malerkotla, Punjab, was among the first to be arrested. She had regular meetings with Danish, an officer working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Authorities found that Danish had transferred money to her through online transactions, and she was allegedly leaking classified information in return.
2. Yameen Mohammed – Associate of Gazala
Yameen Mohammed was arrested alongside Gazala. He also frequently met Danish to secure visas and acted as a liaison. Investigations revealed that both were being used to transmit intelligence back to Pakistan through covert methods.
3. Nauman Elahi – Security Guard in Haryana
On May 14, Nauman Elahi was arrested from Panipat. Originally from Shamli, UP, he worked as a security guard. It was discovered that he was in touch with Pakistani agents and provided them sensitive information from his workplace. He remains under interrogation.
4. Devinder Singh Dhillon – Spy from Kaithal
Devinder Singh Dhillon from Kaithal, Haryana, was found sharing military details with ISI. During questioning, he admitted to visiting Pakistan via religious corridors and making contact with intelligence operatives there. He supplied data related to Operation Sindoor and other military movements.
5. Jyoti Malhotra – YouTuber & Travel Blogger
Haryana Police arrested travel influencer and YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra for spying. She had visited Pakistan three times since 2023 and developed close ties with Danish. She allegedly sent intelligence updates via social media platforms. Her videos praising Pakistan are under review.
6. Armaan – Youth from Nuh, Haryana
Armaan, a resident of Rajaka village, Nuh district, was arrested for spying via WhatsApp. He sent information related to army logistics and positions to Pakistan. He has been booked under the National Security Act and sections related to sedition.
7. Priyanka Senapati – YouTuber from Puri
Though not arrested, Priyanka Senapati is under investigation for possible links to Jyoti Malhotra. Authorities are probing whether she had prior knowledge of Jyoti’s actions or also played a part in sharing sensitive data.
8. Navankur Chaudhary – YouTube Personality
Navankur Chaudhary is another travel vlogger under suspicion. Police are investigating his alleged connections to Pakistani handlers. He has denied all accusations, but his frequent visits to border areas and contact patterns have raised red flags.
9. Shahzad – Businessman from Rampur, UP
On May 12, the Uttar Pradesh STF arrested Shahzad, a garment and spice trader. He has allegedly made multiple visits to Pakistan and is suspected of smuggling as well. He reportedly shared classified details with handlers across the border.
10. Mohammad Murtaza Ali – Arrested in Jalandhar
Mohammad Murtaza Ali was arrested by Gujarat ATS from Jalandhar. He was allegedly working for the ISI. Four mobile phones and three SIM cards were recovered from his possession. Sources say he used encrypted apps to communicate with his handlers. He had also visited Pakistan and reportedly facilitated coordination between local spies and ISI operatives.

Why This Matters
The arrests highlight how espionage has penetrated multiple layers of Indian society—from influencers to ordinary workers. Pakistani agencies are not relying solely on traditional spies; they are exploiting social media creators, religious travelers, and businessmen.
How Did They Get Caught?
Thanks to coordinated efforts between Punjab Police, Haryana ATS, and central intelligence, Operation Sindoor has exposed deep-rooted spy links. Digital footprints, financial trails, and suspicious travel logs played a major role in catching the culprits.
What’s Next?
Investigations are still underway. Intelligence agencies suspect there could be more such sleeper cells operating across the country. With digital surveillance, face recognition, and human intel, more arrests may follow.
Operation Sindoor: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Security Network
India’s security ecosystem has been jolted by this shocking revelation. Operation Sindoor has uncovered a deeply embedded network of individuals passing sensitive information to enemy agencies—many of whom led seemingly ordinary lives. From travel vloggers to garment traders and security guards, the profile of these spies challenges our assumptions about who can pose a threat. It shows that national security risks no longer come only from across the border—they may be living next door, trending on social media, or quietly observing from within institutions. This operation is a loud wake-up call that demands constant vigilance, public awareness, and sharper counter-intelligence mechanisms. In today’s connected world, even one overlooked link can endanger an entire chain of defense.
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