Shakur Khan, a Rajasthan government employee, has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Police say he was in contact with the same Pakistani official who recruited YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra.
Arrest and Charges
The Rajasthan Intelligence Department arrested 49-year-old Shakur Khan from Jaipur on espionage charges after detaining and questioning him for several days. According to the First Information Report (FIR), Khan was actively communicating with Pakistani mobile numbers saved on his iPhone. He used WhatsApp for chatting, audio, and video calls. Authorities claim he shared sensitive photos and videos, which were later deleted.
Connections to Pakistani Officials
Inspector General of Police (IG) Vishnu Kant revealed that Khan was in direct contact with Pakistan High Commission staff, especially Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish and Sohail Qamar. Danish was expelled from India on May 13 after being declared persona non grata due to his involvement in building a spy network. This same network allegedly included travel vlogger Jyoti Rani Malhotra and two others arrested in Malerkotla, Punjab.
Visits to Pakistan and Links to ISI
Investigations show that Khan travelled to Pakistan multiple times using visas arranged with the help of Danish. During his visits, he allegedly met agents from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Upon returning to India, he reportedly collected strategic information and sent it back to Pakistan via WhatsApp. Police believe he also helped others secure Pakistani visas.
Official Secrets Act & Security Threat
Police have registered a case against Khan under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, describing the case as a serious breach of national security. IG Kant said Khan’s government role gave him access to classified information, increasing the risk. Authorities seized three mobile phones from Khan that contained photos and videos of sensitive locations. One of the contacts was saved as Haji Wali Mohammad Darash, believed to be his handler.
Political Angle and Investigation
Khan is a resident of Mangaliyon Ki Dhani in Jaisalmer. He was interrogated at the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur. According to some sources, Khan may have links to a former Congress minister, and BJP leaders have demanded a detailed investigation into this political connection.
