NATIONAL: Travel Blogger Arrested in India for Alleged Espionage Links to Pakistan
Apprehension and Legal Action
On May 16, 2025, Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber from Hisar, was arrested at her residence in New Aggarsain Extension. She faces charges under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for suspected espionage activities linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs).
Alleged Recruitment by Foreign Agents
Hisar Superintendent of Police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan revealed that PIOs were cultivating Malhotra as an asset to propagate favorable narratives via her YouTube channel, Travel with JO, which has over 377,000 subscribers. Central agencies alerted Haryana Police to her role in promoting soft propaganda.
Questionable Travel and Finances
Malhotra’s frequent trips to Pakistan, including one before the Pahalgam terror attack, and a visit to China have drawn scrutiny. Authorities are probing her financial transactions, as her known income does not support her extensive international travel, suggesting possible external funding.
Links to Prominent Figures
During her Pakistan visits, Malhotra reportedly engaged with high-profile individuals, including Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, declared persona non grata by India. Intelligence agencies had been closely monitoring her interactions with PIOs during tense India-Pakistan relations.
Encrypted Communications Uncovered
The FIR filed at Hisar Civil Lines police station details Malhotra’s 2023 meetings with Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. She allegedly used encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to communicate with operatives, saving contacts under aliases like ‘Jatt Randhawa’ to avoid detection.
Wider Espionage Network
Investigators suspect Malhotra is part of a broader espionage network spanning Haryana and Punjab, involving agents and financial handlers. Her Indian contacts and social media content are under examination to uncover her network and motives.
Odisha’s Parallel Investigation
Odisha Police are probing Malhotra’s September 2024 visit to Puri, where she met a YouTuber who recently traveled to Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan. Puri SP Vinit Agrawal confirmed full cooperation with Haryana Police to investigate potential intelligence-sharing.
Operation Sindoor Targets Anti-National Elements
Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur stated that ‘Operation Sindoor’ has identified multiple anti-national elements across districts. Authorities are compiling evidence to ensure a robust chargesheet and severe penalties.
Family Rejects Allegations
Malhotra’s father has dismissed the charges as a conspiracy to defame the family. Her arrest follows recent detentions of Devender Singh and Nauman Ilahi in related espionage cases in Haryana and Punjab.
Ongoing Interrogation
Currently in five-day police custody, Malhotra is being interrogated by Haryana Police and central agencies to uncover the extent of her activities. Her case highlights concerns over social media influencers being leveraged for espionage.