New Delhi, Sunday – Indian police arrested multiple people across Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi, including a travel vlogger and a university professor, for their alleged connections to Pakistan amid recent India-Pakistan tensions, Indian media reported Sunday.
The crackdown follows military escalation after New Delhi accused Islamabad of involvement in a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam. On May 6-7, India launched airstrikes in Pakistan, causing civilian casualties. Pakistan retaliated by downing five Indian jets. After drone interceptions and cross-border strikes, U.S. mediation led to a ceasefire on May 10.
Professor Arrested Over Comments on Military Actions
Ali Khan Mahmudabad, associate professor at Ashoka University in Haryana, was arrested in Delhi for his critical comments on India’s military operations targeting Pakistan. Mahmudabad criticized Indian army press briefings on “Operation Sindoor” and highlighted hypocrisy in right-wing praise for women officers.
Authorities charged him with promoting communal disharmony, inciting rebellion, and insulting religious beliefs. The Haryana State Commission accused his remarks of undermining the military and fomenting discord. Media editorials condemned the arrest as an attack on democratic freedom of expression.
Indian Vlogger Detained for Alleged Espionage
Authorities also arrested travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra from Haryana’s Hisar district, known for her YouTube channel ‘Travel With Jo.’ Malhotra faces charges under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani operatives. The FIR states she contacted alleged Pakistani agents two years ago and traveled to Pakistan twice.
Her videos showcased visits to Sikh religious sites in Pakistan. Malhotra’s family denies the allegations, calling them baseless. Police arrested five others linked to her, including civilians and a security guard, accused of receiving money or instructions from Pakistan.
Wider Crackdown Across States
In Assam, police arrested seven people and uncovered a network allegedly using fake SIM cards to pass information to Pakistan. Investigations extended to Telangana, Rajasthan, and other regions, leading to multiple arrests of suspects involved in the racket.
Pakistani journalists doubt Indian media reports, calling them propaganda. Journalist Hamid Mir argued that the Indian vlogger was only making public videos, not spying. Others called for fair legal processes and dismissed the allegations as ridiculous.
Podcaster Shehzad Ghias Shaikh said the crackdown sends a clear message: no Indian content creator should engage with Pakistan without severe consequences.
