Jyoti Malhotra arrested for spying: Haryana-based YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, is under investigation for allegedly being in contact with Pakistani intelligence officers (PIOs) during a recent conflict between India and Pakistan. Authorities claim she was being developed as an “asset” by Pakistan’s intelligence network.
Malhotra in touch with Pak official during military tensions with India
Malhotra, 33, who runs the travel channel ‘Travel with JO’, was allegedly in contact with a Pakistani intelligence officer stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during a four-day military standoff that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan stated that although Malhotra did not have direct access to sensitive military information, she was in direct touch with Pakistani operatives and YouTube influencers who were similarly targeted for narrative manipulation.
“This is a form of modern warfare,” SP Sawan told the media. “They are recruiting influencers to shape public perception and push propaganda.”
Jyoti’s visits to Pakistan and China raise suspicion
According to police, Malhotra has travelled to Pakistan multiple times—allegedly on sponsored trips—and visited China once. She had visited Kashmir just before the Pahalgam attack. Authorities are now investigating possible connections between her travel patterns and intelligence gathering.
Malhotra was arrested from New Aggarsain Extension in Hisar on Friday and booked under the Official Secrets Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She was sent to a five-day police remand on Saturday.
Contacts and communications under scanner
The FIR lodged against her claims Malhotra came in contact with Pakistani national Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish at the High Commission in 2023, while seeking a visa. Danish allegedly introduced her to his associate, Ali Ahwan, who arranged her stay and meetings with Pakistani intelligence personnel during her visits. She reportedly used WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to communicate and share sensitive information.
Police are now conducting forensic analysis of her electronic devices and financial transactions. “We are also tracking down other Indian contacts and influencers linked to her,” SP Sawan added.
More suspects under radar
The Odisha Police have launched a parallel investigation into Malhotra’s links with a female YouTuber based in Puri, whom she reportedly met in September 2024.
Authorities have confirmed that Malhotra had met high-profile individuals in Pakistan and that her activities have been on the radar of intelligence agencies for some time. Her online presence includes 3.77 lakh YouTube subscribers and 1.33 lakh Instagram followers.
As the investigation deepens, police warn that her alleged actions, if proven, could pose a serious threat to India’s national security.