YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra arrested for spying: A day after Hisar-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on allegations of spying for Pakistan, her father, Haris Malhotra, came forward defending her travels and questioning the basis of the case.
Speaking to the media, Haris said his daughter had visited Pakistan for creating YouTube content and had followed due process for obtaining permissions. “She made YouTube videos. She used to visit Pakistan and other places. If she has some friends there, can’t she call them?” he asked.
Haris also expressed concern over the police action against the family, stating, “A case has been registered against us. They came on Thursday and took our phones, passport, laptop, and bank documents. I have no demands, but at least return our phones.”
Why was Jyoti Malhotra arrested?
Jyoti Rani Malhotra was taken into custody by Haryana police from Hisar based on intelligence inputs suggesting her involvement in espionage activities.
According to Hisar Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kamaljeet, police recovered “suspicious material” from her devices. These included communications and digital evidence allegedly shared with Pakistani officials.
“Based on the information we had, we arrested Jyoti, daughter of Haris Kumar, under the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). We have taken her on a 5-day remand for further investigation,” DSP Kamaljeet said. Authorities claim that Jyoti was in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen and shared sensitive information.
Alleged links to Pakistani officials
During preliminary interrogation, Jyoti reportedly confessed to meeting a Pakistani national named Ahsan-ur-Rahim, also known as “Dan”, at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023 while applying for a visa. Following the meeting, she allegedly travelled to Pakistan twice.
Reports suggest that Jyoti was introduced to another individual through Rahim who facilitated her stay, transportation, and meetings with Pakistani intelligence and security officials. ANI reported that the YouTuber’s contact with these individuals raised serious concerns for Indian authorities.
Investigation underway
The police continue to probe the case under the Official Secrets Act and BNS provisions. Authorities are examining digital records and financial transactions, while Jyoti remains in remand.
As the investigation progresses, no official statement has yet been issued by Jyoti or legal representatives.