From uploading cheerful travel vlogs to emerging as a possible cog in Pakistan’s intelligence operations, Jasbir Singh’s dramatic descent has sent shockwaves across Punjab and beyond. A popular YouTuber from Ropar district’s Mahlan village, 41-year-old Jasbir is now facing serious charges of espionage, with preliminary investigations pointing towards his deep-rooted connections with Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The most startling revelation so far — police officials have recovered 150 Pakistani phone numbers from his mobile device — many suspected to be linked to ISI operatives and Pakistani officials. Some contacts are believed to be based in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and even connected to the now-expelled Pakistani High Commission official, Ehsaan-ur-Raheem alias Danish. Jasbir’s suspicious communication trail, coupled with his presence in sensitive diplomatic events, has placed him at the center of an expanding intelligence investigation.
The tipping point came with the arrest of Hisar-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra on May 16. A video surfaced soon after showing Jasbir and Jyoti together in Lahore, Pakistan, shopping and casually interacting with locals. This unexpected crossover placed him firmly on the radar of intelligence agencies, who began digging into his background. On May 17, a day after Jyoti’s arrest, Punjab Police summoned Jasbir for questioning. Since then, he has been cooperating — but the details emerging from his mobile, travel history, and financial trail have only deepened suspicions.
State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Additional Inspector General (AIG) Dr Ravjot Grewal said that credible inputs had been received that Jasbir — who reportedly also goes by the alias Jaan Mahlan, was in touch with ISI handlers. Officials suspected that he may have leaked sensitive information related to Indian military deployments or movement, although the exact nature of data shared is still under verification. “He was not operating in isolation. He had access, networks, and instructions,” said a senior police officer involved in the probe.
The scope of Jasbir’s network is disturbing. Investigations have revealed his alleged contact with Shakir alias Jatt Randhawa – a known ISI agent, as well as Danish – the former Pakistani embassy official expelled over espionage activities. Intelligence inputs suggested that Jasbir even attended a Pakistan Embassy event in Delhi at Danish’s invitation, where he is believed to have met Pakistani Army personnel and other pro-Pak elements camouflaged as YouTubers.
Jasbir Singh has reportedly traveled to Pakistan thrice — in 2020, 2021, and 2024. Each trip, security agencies believed, had more to it than mere sightseeing or cultural exchanges. Sources confirmed that he remained in regular contact with Pakistani handlers before and after each visit. “He always returned with high-end electronics and luxury items. It was not the usual cross-border tourism,” an intelligence official remarked.
During his last visit, he was filmed in Lahore with Jyoti, strolling through markets and shopping arcades. The video — ironically uploaded by Jasbir himself — proved to be the lead that unraveled a trail of alleged espionage.
Post his arrest on Wednesday, police found that Jasbir’s wife and son have vanished from their Mahlan village home. Neighbours confirmed that the family was last seen on Tuesday. Now, their palatial house with high-end interiors and an ongoing construction of a second bungalow stands deserted.
Police officials maintained that the locals described Jasbir as someone who largely kept to himself but had recently become quite affluent. “Our team got to know that he was building a lavish house, bought new vehicles, and lived far beyond what a blogger’s income could justify…He reportedly owns four acres of land,” added the official.
Interestingly, Jasbir had attended the IPL match between Punjab Kings and RCB on May 29 in Mullanpur, along with his son and friends. He vlogged the experience and uploaded it to his YouTube channel, painting the picture of a regular cricket enthusiast.
His lawyer claimed that Jasbir lived in Norway for four years, which the police are now verifying as they expand the probe to trace international linkages, funding sources, and encrypted communications. His bank accounts, property transactions, and even overseas transfers are now under scrutiny.
As Jasbir remains in police remand for three days, security agencies are preparing to widen the net, particularly focusing on his digital communications, travel partners, and financial backers. Punjab Police is expected to hand over specific leads to central intelligence agencies in the coming days.
