Latest news with #Hisar-based
Indian Express
05-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Trapping social media influencers: ISI's strategy to weave an espionage-cum-propaganda network
Investigations into Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) latest modus operandi of espionage have revealed a concentrated effort to invite, entice, and then co-opt social media influencers through a variety of lures to build a web of informers among the community. Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior official said the cases of Hisar-based YouTube channel operator Jyoti Malhotra and Ropar-based Jasbir Singh, who also ran a YouTube channel, are not isolated, and are part of a well-planned operation by ISI to increase its reach through the twin aims of collecting information and spreading propaganda. Central intelligence agencies and the Punjab Police have been unravelling the spy network which was cultivated by several officials based in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Two staff members of the High Commission have already been thrown out of India after the government declared them persona non grata. 'ISI has been using a variety of tools to reach out to social media influencers not only in Punjab but across the country in order to weave an espionage-cum-propaganda network, which works out in favour of Pakistan. The first step is to invite the influencers of various platforms like YouTube, Instagram, X, Snapchat, etc, to the get-togethers of the Pakistan High Commission, and then offer them visas to visit Pakistan,' the official said. Once the influencer travels to Pakistan, the next step of the operation kicks in, under which enticements may be offered by way of cash and kind, including the honeytrap method, which would be used to coerce them into doing their bidding. 'It is a slow process, and often multiple visits are encouraged to Pakistan, and the confidence level in ISI operatives who are working under cover is gradually built up. When the target knowingly or unknowingly makes a false step and falls into their clutches, they close the trap, making it difficult for the influencer to back out,' the official said. Pakistan's efforts to entice Indian YouTube channel operators for espionage stem from a combination of strategic, geopolitical, and tactical motives. Leveraging social media influence for soft power and propaganda is boosted by the reach and credibility. YouTubers, especially those with large followings (Jasbir Singh with 1.1 million subscribers and Jyoti Malhotra with 377,000–381,000 subscribers), have significant online influence. Their content can shape public perceptions, making them valuable for projecting pro-Pakistan narratives or countering anti-Pakistan sentiment in India, say investigators. By encouraging influencers to create content like 'Indian Girl in Pakistan', as seen in the case of Jyoti Malhotra, Pakistan aims to portray a positive image, potentially softening public opinion in India or globally. This aligns with 'soft power' strategies to influence narratives subtly while gathering intelligence. Influencers can also play a vital role in covert operations as they are less likely to arouse suspicion compared to traditional spies, as their travel vlogs and cultural exchanges appear innocuous, providing a cover for espionage activities. ISI has also been found to be exploiting the financial vulnerabilities of influencers, as most YouTubers rely on views, sponsorships, or external funding. Pakistani operatives offer financial rewards, sponsored trips (like Malhotra's visits to Pakistan in 2023), or other incentives to lure influencers, exploiting their need for content and revenue. Intelligence officials say that in the wake of Operation Sindoor and heightened India-Pakistan tensions, ISI likely seeks real-time intelligence on Indian military movements, cantonment details, and strategic operations, especially in border states like Punjab. 'Punjab's proximity to the India-Pakistan border makes it a focal point for espionage. YouTubers travelling in these regions can inadvertently or deliberately gather and share information about troop deployments, infrastructure, or security arrangements, which can be vital to the enemy who wants to collect granular data,' another official said.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Jyoti Malhotra hires senior advocate, to appear in court on June 9
Hisar-based YouTuber and travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra, who is currently in 14-day judicial custody over alleged links with Pakistani intelligence operatives, has appointed senior advocate Kumar Mukesh to represent her in court. She was initially remanded to police custody and later sent to judicial custody by a Hisar court on May 26. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 9. Malhotra, 33, was arrested on May 16 on charges of espionage and sharing sensitive information with foreign operatives. Speaking to Hindustan Times over the phone, advocate Kumar Mukesh confirmed that Malhotra's father, Harish Malhotra, had reached out to him last week. He visited Jyoti in Hisar Central Jail on Wednesday and discussed the case with her. 'I have filed an application seeking all case-related documents from the police,' said Mukesh. 'We expect to receive the documents within three to four days. Once we review them, we will move a regular bail application. Jyoti had valid visas for her trips to Pakistan and other countries, and at first glance, the evidence against her seems insufficient to substantiate the espionage charges.' Mukesh also appealed to the media to refrain from labelling Malhotra a 'spy' before a charge sheet is filed and the court delivers its verdict. 'Jyoti has told me the police treated her respectfully, and she has fully cooperated during interrogation,' he added. Previously, Malhotra was represented in court by Defense Legal Aid Counsel (DLAC) lawyers Jogmani Sharma, Deepak, and Nitin. Her father Harish reiterated her innocence and expressed trust in the legal system. 'My daughter is innocent and confident that justice will prevail. She told me not to worry and assured me she hasn't done anything that would compromise the nation's sovereignty,' Harish said. 'I've given her more clothes in jail. We're placing our hopes in her new lawyer to present a strong case.' Meanwhile, Hisar police spokesperson Vikas Kumar stated that the investigation has so far uncovered over 12 terabytes of digital data from Malhotra's three mobile phones and laptop. 'Forensic analysis revealed private chats with at least four individuals identified as Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs), suspected financial transactions, and signs of VIP treatment during her visit to Pakistan. The data is still under examination,' Kumar said. Malhotra has been charged under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Raj employeedetained onsuspicion ofspying for ISI
Jaisalmer: A state govt employee was detained Wednesday in Rajasthan on suspicion of spying for Pakistan's spy agency ISI amid a widening crackdown on espionage networks across the country after Op Sindoor. Sakur Khan Mangaliyar, employed with the state's employment department, was picked up by a joint team of CID and intelligence agencies from his office in Jaisalmer. Mangaliyar is expected to be transferred to Jaipur for further questioning. Authorities are also probing a suspected connection between Mangaliyar and a senior Congress politician from the border region. Security agencies have withheld comment on political links. Sources said Mangaliyar served as a personal assistant to a Congress functionary during the previous Congress-led state govt. Mangaliyar, a resident of Mangaliya's Dhani in Baroda village near the Pakistan border, had been under surveillance for several weeks. Investigators found multiple Pakistani phone numbers in his mobile device and reported that he could not provide credible explanations. He also admitted to traveling to Pakistan at least seven times in recent years, raising further concerns. SP Sudhir Chaudhary said the inquiry began following alerts from "higher headquarters" over suspicious activities. "We are verifying all facts and conducting an inquiry," he added. Though no military-related photos or videos were found on his phone, officials said several files had been deleted. Two bank accounts under his name are currently under scrutiny. Intelligence sources revealed possible links between Mangaliyar and an official in Pakistan's embassy, suggesting coordination with ISI handlers. His detention follows a string of arrests across Punjab and Haryana connected to spying for Pakistan. Since May 7, when India launched Op Sindoor in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, at least seven suspects have been arrested in espionage-related cases in the two states. Among them is Hisar-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, accused of passing sensitive data to Pakistani handlers. On May 11, Punjab police arrested two people in Malerkotla. Haryana police detained two on May 13 and May 15. Two people working inside Bathinda military station were held on May 7 and May 14 on similar charges.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rajasthan government staff, linked to Congress neta, held for spying for ISI
Photo/Agencies JAISALMER: A state government employee was detained on Wednesday in Rajasthan on suspicion of spying for Pakistan's spy agency ISI amid a widening crackdown on espionage networks across the country after Operation Sindoor. Sakur Khan Mangaliyar, employed with the state's employment department, was picked up by a joint team of CID and intelligence agencies from his office in Jaisalmer. Mangaliyar is expected to be transferred to Jaipur for further questioning. Authorities are also probing a suspected connection between Mangaliyar and a senior Congress politician from the border region. Security agencies have withheld comment on political links. Sources said Mangaliyar served as a personal assistant to a Congress functionary during the previous Congress-led state govt. Mangaliyar, a resident of Mangaliya's Dhani in Baroda village near the Pakistan border, had been under surveillance for several weeks. Investigators found multiple Pakistani phone numbers in his mobile device and reported that he could not provide credible explanations. He also admitted to traveling to Pakistan at least seven times in recent years, raising further concerns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo SP Sudhir Chaudhary said the inquiry began following alerts from "higher headquarters" over suspicious activities. "We are verifying all facts and conducting an inquiry," he added. Though no military-related photos or videos were found on his phone, officials said several files had been deleted. Two bank accounts under his name are currently under scrutiny. Intelligence sources revealed possible links between Mangaliyar and an official in Pakistan's embassy, suggesting coordination with ISI handlers. His detention follows a string of arrests across Punjab and Haryana connected to spying for Pakistan. Since May 7, when India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, at least seven suspects have been arrested in espionage-related cases in the two states. Among them is Hisar-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, accused of passing sensitive data to Pakistani handlers. On May 11, Punjab police arrested two people in Malerkotla. Haryana police detained two on May 13 and May 15. Two people working inside Bathinda military station were held on May 7 and May 14 on similar charges.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
GMDA serves notice to contractor for delay in repair of 13 key roads
The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has issued a formal notice to a Hisar-based contractor for delaying special repair works on 13 key roads in the city, despite repeated verbal reminders. The authority has also warned of invoking liquidated damages as per the contract clause if the contractor fails to accelerate the pace of work. The special repair ₹25-crore project was awarded in December 2023 and is slated for completion by mid-August this year. However, GMDA officials say progress has been unsatisfactory across all project sites. 'The work on these roads will be expedited and action will be initiated if the pace of work is not accelerated,' a senior GMDA official said, requesting anonymity. GMDA officials clarified that liquidated damages are typically levied to compensate for losses from delays or non-performance and can be calculated as a percentage of contract value or operational expenditure. A notice dated May 21, issued by the GMDA, sub-divisional engineer, read: 'Despite numerous verbal requests, though you have started the work on one of the roads under your agreement, the pace of work is far beyond satisfaction. It could attract further liquidated damages as per clause agreement. You are hereby again directed to increase the pace of work by increasing the machinery at site and on plant. You are hereby also warned for quality of workmanship.' The 13 roads under repair include the sector dividing road of Sectors 23/23A, Sector 18/19 road, Mahavir Chowk to Atul Kataria Chowk, road dividing Sector 15 Part 1 and Part 2, New Railway Road, Old Railway Road, Civil Lines Road, Sector 9/9A, Krishna Chowk to Rezangla Chowk, Sector 5/6, Sector 22/23, Sector 7/8, and Sector 21/22. Residents, especially from Old Gurugram, say the poor condition of these roads is disrupting daily life. 'The roads in Old Gurugram must be repaired on priority and the authority must initiate action for delay in repair of city roads,' said Kumar Thakur, a resident of Sheetla Colony.
