Indian authorities have arrested eight individuals across three states in a major crackdown on an alleged spy network linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrests, made in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, span across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Officials believe the arrested individuals were involved in sharing sensitive information with Pakistani handlers through various channels, including social media, mobile apps, and covert travel to Pakistan.

Increased surveillance and national security measures under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to escalating hostilities, have exposed what authorities believe is a deeper web of espionage activities operated by ISI.

List of Individuals Arrested for Spying Activities:

• Jyoti Malhotra (Haryana):
  A 33-year-old travel vlogger from Hisar, Malhotra ran the YouTube channel Travel with JO and was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive Indian military data with a Pakistani official from the High Commission in Delhi. Police confirmed she visited Pakistan at least twice and was being groomed as an asset by ISI operatives.

• Davender Singh Dhillon (Punjab):
  A 25-year-old political science student at Khalsa College, Patiala, arrested in Kaithal, Haryana. He was found sharing photos of weapons on Facebook and was previously in contact with ISI during a visit to Pakistan in November. He allegedly provided details of Patiala’s military cantonment.

• Nauman Ilahi (Haryana):
  A 24-year-old security guard in Panipat, originally from Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for passing information to ISI. Authorities said he received payments through his brother-in-law's account in exchange for intelligence.

• Arman (Haryana):
  Arrested in Nuh on May 16, Arman is suspected of leaking sensitive military data to Pakistan during a period of high alert. Investigators claim to have strong evidence linking him to ISI activities.

• Shahzad (Uttar Pradesh):
  A businessman from Rampur, Shahzad was detained in Moradabad. He had made multiple trips to Pakistan and used his trade in cosmetics and garments as a front to pass on intelligence and recruit individuals for ISI.

• Mohammad Murtaza Ali (Punjab):
  Arrested in Jalandhar by Gujarat Police, he reportedly spied using a custom-developed mobile app. Authorities seized four mobile phones and three SIM cards during the raid.

• Gazala & Yamin Mohammad (Punjab):
  These two individuals were arrested on charges similar to the others suspected of passing strategic information to Pakistani handlers.

According to senior law enforcement officials, enemy agencies are increasingly targeting ordinary citizens, influencers, and vulnerable workers to gather intelligence in exchange for money. Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan stated that social media users and influencers are at higher risk of being manipulated by foreign operatives due to their digital exposure and reach.

These arrests come during a period of strained India-Pakistan relations. Following the Pahalgam massacre, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror launchpads across the border and in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with missile and drone strikes, which were neutralized by Indian defense systems. The four-day conflict concluded with a ceasefire on May 10. Authorities believe that these arrests are only the tip of the iceberg and that more sleeper cells or sympathizers may be operating within Indian borders. Investigations are ongoing, and further action is expected as the intelligence network continues to unravel.