Rampur Businessman Arrested for Spying for ISI: In a startling revelation that underscores growing concerns over national security, the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a businessman from Rampur for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Identified as Shahzad, the accused was arrested in Moradabad after a detailed surveillance operation revealed his deep involvement in espionage and cross-border smuggling.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another espionage case involving Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested for passing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. The back-to-back arrests have raised red flags about increasing infiltration attempts by Pakistan’s ISI using civilians and influencers.
Spying Activities Under the Guise of Trade
According to the STF, Shahzad had made multiple trips to Pakistan over the years under the pretext of business. However, investigations revealed that he was allegedly smuggling items such as cosmetics, spices, and clothing across the India-Pakistan border. Authorities claim this commercial façade was merely a cover for his spying operations.
STF officers stated that Shahzad supplied sensitive national security information, along with financial aid and Indian SIM cards, to ISI agents operating in India. His communications and transactions were reportedly monitored for several weeks before the arrest.
The agency also revealed that Shahzad was involved in recruiting individuals from Rampur and other districts of Uttar Pradesh to work for the ISI. The suspects were allegedly sent to Pakistan with visas arranged through ISI-linked agents.
Dangerous ISI Network Uncovered
“The evidence gathered so far confirms that Shahzad was not only smuggling goods but was also a conduit for classified information being transferred to Pakistan. The operation was more widespread than initially thought,” an STF official stated.
Sources within the security agencies revealed that Shahzad’s arrest is a significant breakthrough in disrupting an ongoing ISI network in northern India. The STF is now intensifying efforts to trace others who may be involved or connected to the racket.
Parallels to the Jyoti Malhotra Case
Shahzad’s arrest comes just days after Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on similar charges. Malhotra, who managed a popular YouTube travel channel “Travel with JO,” with over 300,000 subscribers, was reportedly in touch with a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
She visited Pakistan and uploaded several travel vlogs, including titles such as “Indian Girl in Pakistan” and “Indian Girl Exploring Lahore.” Investigators claim that beyond her tourist videos, she was communicating with ISI handlers and passing on classified information.
In response to her involvement, the Indian government expelled the Pakistani High Commission staffer on May 13 for espionage-related activities.
Mounting Indo-Pak Tensions
These arrests come at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Indian security forces believe these espionage cases may be linked to broader attempts by Pakistan to destabilize Indian internal security.
Government & Security Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been briefed on both cases and is reportedly reviewing protocols for visa issuance and monitoring suspicious travel activities, especially to and from Pakistan, in light of recent spying incidents. A senior MHA official stated, “We are treating these cases with utmost seriousness. Any attempt to undermine national security through spying or espionage will be met with swift and stringent action.”
Conclusion
The arrest of Shahzad, following closely after the apprehension of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, points to a potentially coordinated spying and espionage attempt by Pakistan’s ISI to infiltrate Indian society through unconventional channels such as influencers and businessmen. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cross-border activities.
As investigations continue, more arrests related to spying operations may follow. Security agencies are leaving no stone unturned to dismantle these espionage networks threatening India’s sovereignty.
