Mir Jafar, The Traitor: Why India's Operation To Hunt Down Spies Is Codenamed After Him
The anti-espionage operation was named after Mir Jafar, a historical figure widely remembered as one of the greatest traitors in Indian history
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, security forces have now launched Operation Mir Jafar, targeting individuals suspected of spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI. The operation aims to identify and neutralise those who allegedly provided critical information to Pakistan during India's military response.
The anti-espionage operation was named after Mir Jafar, a historical figure widely remembered as one of the greatest traitors in Indian history. His name has long symbolised betrayal, even though the context in which it is used often varies. Historians generally agree that Mir Jafar betrayed the Nawab of Bengal during the Battle of Plassey. In modern times, his name is more commonly used as a metaphor for political treachery than as a direct reference to the historical event.
In 1756, when the 23-year-old Siraj-ud-Daulah ascended to power, his military commander and relative, Mir Jafar, began to feel increasingly marginalised. Though he had supported Siraj's assault on the East India Company's Fort William just months before the Battle of Plassey, simmering resentment lingered. Ambitious and discontented, Mir Jafar aspired to become Nawab himself.
His betrayal was seen as particularly grave due to his familial ties with Siraj-ud-Daulah. Unlike other conspirators, Mir Jafar was shielded by the East India Company, intensifying perceptions of his treachery.
British agents uncovered that Mir Jafar, the Nawab's military commander, harboured ambitions of seizing power. Clive capitalised on this, forging a secret pact with Mir Jafar and promising him the throne in exchange for his betrayal.
As British forces neared Murshidabad, Siraj-ud-Daulah readied for defence but faced wavering loyalty and political setbacks. At Plassey, his position worsened with the death of his trusted general, Mir Madan. Isolated and desperate, he turned to Mir Jafar—unaware of the treachery already unfolding.
Feigning loyalty, Mir Jafar advised Siraj to halt the fighting. The Nawab agreed and withdrew to his camp. On Mir Jafar's signal, the British launched a swift and decisive attack. Deprived of leadership and direction, the Nawab's army collapsed. Siraj fled but was soon captured and executed by Mir Jafar's son, Miran. True to their word, the British installed Mir Jafar as the puppet ruler of Bengal.
Under Mir Jafar's rule, Bengal—once the wealthiest province in India—suffered rampant exploitation and looting. The region's riches were drained, laying the groundwork for centuries of colonial extraction. Mir Jafar's alliance with the British ultimately proved his undoing; once he had served their purpose, they discarded him. His name endures as a lasting symbol of treachery in Indian history.
Why Was Operation Mir Jafar Launched?
According to the investigators, numerous photographs and sensitive data were shared through various channels with the ISI. The probe also uncovered the involvement of the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi, where some Indian nationals were reportedly in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives stationed there.
Further investigations revealed that Pakistan obtained sensitive information by sending individuals on foreign trips and offering monetary and other incentives. Electronic surveillance showed that significant data was transmitted to Pakistan through Indian mobile phones and other digital channels. Officials involved in the operation shared that individuals from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and several other regions were found to be involved in these activities.
Under Operation Mir Jafar, security agencies are actively gathering evidence, and based on initial findings, intelligence units are working to identify and prosecute those involved.
According to several officials, intelligence agencies have started to closely monitor individuals suspected of leaking information to Pakistan, resulting in the arrest of at least 12 people across three states on espionage charges. The arrests include four in Haryana, six in Punjab, and one in Uttar Pradesh.
Among those detained is Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber with thousands of followers, apprehended by the Haryana Police in Hisar. The 33-year-old travel vlogger, who runs the YouTube channel 'Travel with JO', is under investigation for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistan.
Investigators discovered that Malhotra was allegedly honey-trapped by Danish, an employee of the Pakistani High Commission, believed to have ties to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
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Other notable arrests include Devendra Singh, a 25-year-old postgraduate student from Mastgarh Cheeka village in Haryana; Nauman Ilahi, a 24-year-old security guard from Uttar Pradesh working in Haryana; Arman, 23; Shahzad, a businessman from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh; and Mohammad Murtaza Ali, who was arrested in Jalandhar.
An official familiar with the investigation stated that interrogations are currently underway and more arrests are expected as the probe progresses and additional evidence emerges.
First Published:
May 20, 2025, 15:43 IST
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