Haryana police arrest Palwal YouTuber Wasim Akram for alleged Pakistan spying

Haryana police have arrested a YouTuber named Wasim Akram from Palwal on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its High Commission. The arrest took place on Wednesday and comes as part of ongoing investigations into cross-border espionage activities in the state. Akram, a resident of Kot village in Palwal district, runs a YouTube channel where he posts videos on the history of Mewat.

Police said that Akram had been in contact with Pakistani agents for the past three years. During this period, he allegedly provided SIM cards and shared sensitive information with operatives based in Pakistan. The investigation revealed several incriminating WhatsApp chats on Akram’s phone, including messages that had been deleted. The cyber cell is currently working to recover all data from his device to strengthen the case.

This arrest follows the earlier detention of Hisar-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra in May, who was accused of spying and passing confidential information to Pakistani operatives. Malhotra, who ran a YouTube channel called “Travel with Jo,” had visited Pakistan twice in 2023. Police said she was part of a larger network spanning Haryana and Punjab, involving individuals acting as agents, financial conduits, and informants. Malhotra is currently in judicial custody.

Akram’s arrest was made possible after another Pakistani spy, Taufiq, was detained by Palwal police last week. Taufiq, a resident of Alimev village in the district, had been sending sensitive information to Pakistan since 2022. During interrogation, he disclosed Akram’s name to the authorities, providing a key lead for the ongoing investigation.

Cross-border links and ongoing investigations

Police officials said that Akram first came into contact with Pakistani agents in 2021 while applying for a visa to the neighboring country. Although Akram’s family denied that he had traveled to Pakistan, several facts emerged during his interrogation that pointed to his cross-border connections. Authorities are investigating these links in detail, as both Akram and Taufiq were reportedly in communication with the ISI and the Pakistan High Commission through internet calls.

SP Varun Singla confirmed that the Palwal crime branch and other concerned authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. The Intelligence Bureau is also coordinating with the local police to ensure a detailed inquiry. Police officials warned that more arrests could be made as the investigation unfolds.

Authorities said that Akram had allegedly shared information that could compromise national security. While details of the specific content are yet to be disclosed, officials emphasized that any such activity is treated as a serious offense under Indian law. The cyber cell is also scanning his social media accounts and other digital footprints to gather additional evidence.

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The case highlights the growing use of social media platforms like YouTube for intelligence and cross-border communication. Officials noted that operatives are increasingly using online platforms to establish networks, transmit messages, and recruit local contacts. The arrests of Akram, Malhotra, and Taufiq indicate that these networks are active in multiple parts of Haryana and Punjab, making monitoring and investigation a priority for law enforcement agencies.

Police have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially if it involves online communications with foreign entities. They stressed that such cases are not only a threat to local security but also to national safety. The authorities are continuing to examine Akram’s digital history, contacts, and financial transactions as part of a comprehensive probe.

The incident also raises concerns about young individuals using social media platforms to engage in illegal activities unknowingly or under the influence of external agents. Experts said that while social media is a useful tool for education and communication, it can also be exploited for espionage and intelligence gathering. Authorities are now looking to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and awareness programs to prevent such misuse.

In conclusion, the arrest of Wasim Akram in Palwal, along with earlier arrests in Hisar, underscores the vigilance of Haryana police and national intelligence agencies in countering espionage activities. With active investigations underway and more arrests likely, the authorities are determined to dismantle any networks operating within the state and protect the country from cross-border threats. The case also serves as a reminder of the critical role of digital vigilance in today’s interconnected world.