YouTuber Jasbir Singh’s Police Remand Extended in Pakistan ISI Spy Case
A local court in Punjab on Saturday extended the police remand of popular YouTuber Jasbir Singh, also known by his online moniker Jaan Mahal, for two more days in connection with espionage charges related to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Singh, aged 41, was arrested on June 4 amid allegations of being involved in a terror-backed spy network.
Singh, who runs the channel “JaanMahal Video” with over 1.1 million subscribers, is accused of maintaining contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and an Indian co-conspirator, Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based influencer also under arrest in the same case.
Alleged ISI Connections and Foreign Visits
According to Punjab Police, Jasbir Singh is suspected to be part of a larger espionage ring with operational and financial backing from Pakistan’s intelligence and military establishment. Officials claim Singh visited **Pakistan thrice—in 2020, 2021, and 2024—**during which he allegedly interacted with ISI officers and Pakistani Army officials.
He also reportedly attended a Pakistan National Day reception at the High Commission in Delhi, on invitation from a diplomat later expelled on charges of espionage. Authorities claim this event was one of several points of contact with Pakistan’s covert network.
During his time in custody, Singh is said to have surrendered electronic devices, including his phone and laptop, for forensic analysis. Police suspect these may contain communications with foreign handlers, including over 150 Pakistani contacts.
Defense Denies ISI Allegations
Despite the serious accusations, Singh’s legal counsel, Mohit Dhupar, has denied all links to Pakistan’s ISI. Addressing the media outside court, Dhupar said,
“We spoke to him. There is no such thing that is being said in the media that he was an ISI agent. He was just a vlogger.”
Dhupar also pointed out that Singh had voluntarily cooperated with Punjab Police from May 17 to May 30, handing over his devices during the questioning period. He questioned the timing of the arrest, noting that Singh was due to appear before Haryana Police on June 6 in relation to the Jyoti Malhotra case.
“Punjab Police might have felt that if Haryana Police arrested Singh, it would be their insult,” said Dhupar, implying inter-agency rivalry could have influenced the timing of the arrest.
He further dismissed claims that Singh had handed over his laptop to Pakistani officials during any of his visits, branding them baseless.
A Digital Influencer in the Crosshairs
Jasbir Singh’s YouTube presence under the name “Jaan Mahal” has made him a prominent figure in the Punjabi digital content community. His channel features lifestyle vlogs, cultural commentary, and travel videos, with a sizable following across India and abroad. The revelations of possible espionage have sent shockwaves through his fanbase, with opinions sharply divided on social media.
Some followers have rallied in support, expressing disbelief at the allegations, while others have called for a thorough investigation into his international engagements.
Jyoti Malhotra’s Arrest Adds Complexity
The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a social media influencer from Haryana, has added another layer to the unfolding espionage scandal. Police believe that Singh and Malhotra were in contact, possibly exchanging sensitive information with Pakistan-based operatives.
Investigators are exploring if the duo was part of a broader ISI strategy to leverage Indian influencers for intelligence gathering via social media, event invitations, and cross-border travel.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The two-day extension of remand is aimed at allowing the police more time for interrogation and digital evidence analysis. Sources say forensic experts are scanning Singh’s electronic devices for encrypted messaging apps, deleted media, and cross-border money trails.
No formal charges have yet been filed, but if convicted under the Official Secrets Act or the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Singh could face serious penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
The case continues to unfold, with both state and central agencies closely monitoring developments.