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NEW DELHI: Police in Haryana’s Palwal district have arrested a YouTuber, Wasim Akram, on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its High Commission, officials said on Thursday.Akram, a resident of Kot village who posted videos on the history of Mewat on YouTube was taken into custody on Wednesday. Police said he had been in contact with Pakistani agents for the past three years and allegedly provided them with SIM cards, news agency PTI reported. Several incriminating WhatsApp chats were recovered from his phone, including some deleted messages which the cyber cell is attempting to retrieve.The arrest follows the detention of another Pakistani spy, Taufiq, last week. During interrogation, Taufiq revealed Akram’s name and links with Pakistani intelligence. Police said Akram first came in contact with Pakistani agent Danish in 2021 while applying for a visa to Pakistan. While his family denied any travel to the neighbouring country, several facts during interrogation pointed to cross-border connections. According to police, both Akram and Taufiq were in contact with the ISI and the Pakistan High Commission through internet calls.SP Varun Singla has tasked the Palwal crime branch and other authorities with a thorough investigation, while the Intelligence Bureau is also coordinating. Police indicated that more arrests could follow in the coming days.Taufiq, a resident of Alimev village, was arrested on September 26 for allegedly sending sensitive information to Pakistan since 2022.“Both the accused were in touch with the Pakistan High Commission and ISI. Crime branch teams are questioning them after taking them on police remand,” SP Singla said.
