Behind the Lens: Unmasking the 8 Alleged Pakistani Spies Caught in India – Roles, Motives & National Security Implications
Introduction
India’s national security has been increasingly challenged by espionage activities linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Recent arrests across various Indian states have unveiled a complex network of alleged Pakistani spies operating under diverse guises. This blog delves into the roles, motives, and implications of eight individuals apprehended for espionage, shedding light on the multifaceted threats to India’s sovereignty.
1. Shehzad Wahab: Trader Turned Spy
In May 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Shehzad Wahab, a trader from Rampur, for allegedly operating as a Pakistani spy. Wahab reportedly used cross-border trade and smuggling as a front for his espionage activities, establishing direct links with the ISI and recruiting locals to build a spy network.
2. Jyoti Malhotra: The Influencer’s Double Life
Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber and travel vlogger, was arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan. Authorities allege that Malhotra maintained consistent contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives, transmitting sensitive information via social media apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She reportedly used deceptive contact names to evade detection.
3. Priyanka Senapati: Under Scrutiny
Priyanka Senapati, a Puri-based YouTuber known for her religious and temple tour vlogs, came under investigation due to her association with Jyoti Malhotra. Her documented trip to Kartarpur, Pakistan, and connections with Malhotra raised suspicions, although she has denied any involvement in espionage activities.
4. Labhshankar Maheshwari: The Long-Term Mole
In October 2023, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested Labhshankar Maheshwari, a Pakistani native who became an Indian citizen in 1999. Maheshwari was accused of sending malware to phones and stealing sensitive information, targeting family members of Indian Army personnel.
5. Mohammed Saqlain: The Digital Enabler
Mohammed Saqlain, a resident of Jamnagar, Gujarat, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. He reportedly purchased an Indian SIM card and activated WhatsApp, which was then operated by his Pakistani handlers to inject spyware and leak confidential information about Indian security forces.
6. Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih: The Amritsar Duo
In May 2025, Punjab Police arrested Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih for allegedly leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army cantonment areas and air bases in Amritsar to Pakistani handlers. They were reportedly connected to ISI through an intermediary currently lodged in Amritsar Central Jail.
7. Narendra Kumar: Victim of a Honey Trap
Rajasthan Police arrested Narendra Kumar for allegedly sharing strategic information with the ISI after being caught in a honey trap set up by two female handlers from Pakistan. He had been in contact with them through social media and shared sensitive information about the international border, including road bridges and BSF posts.
8. Pradeep Kurulkar: The DRDO Espionage Case
In May 2023, Pradeep Kurulkar, a senior scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was arrested for allegedly passing confidential information to a Pakistani intelligence operative. The case raised serious concerns about the safety of India’s defence secrets and nuclear weapons.
National Security Implications
The arrests of these individuals underscore the persistent threat posed by espionage activities to India’s national security. The diverse backgrounds of the accused—from traders and scientists to social media influencers—highlight the multifaceted strategies employed by foreign intelligence agencies to infiltrate and gather sensitive information. These cases emphasize the need for heightened vigilance, robust counterintelligence measures, and public awareness to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
Conclusion
The exposure of these alleged Pakistani spies reveals the complex and evolving nature of espionage threats facing India. As foreign intelligence agencies continue to exploit various channels and individuals to gather sensitive information, it is imperative for Indian security agencies and the public to remain vigilant. Strengthening counterintelligence efforts and fostering a culture of awareness are crucial steps in protecting the nation’s security interests.
