YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested in Espionage Case: Ties to Pakistani Officials and Spy Network Uncovered
By Rahul | May 21, 2025
Hisar, Haryana – In a shocking twist to a cross-border espionage probe, popular travel YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, known for her channel Travel with JO, has been arrested by Haryana Police for allegedly collaborating with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Malhotra, who boasts over 3.77 lakh subscribers, confessed to maintaining direct contact with a Pakistan High Commission official in Delhi, sparking concerns of a spy network operating in North India.
The Arrest and Investigation
Jyoti Malhotra, 33, was arrested from her residence in Hisar’s New Aggarsain Extension on May 16 under India’s Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. According to Hisar Police spokesperson Vikas Kumar, Malhotra admitted during interrogation to regular communication with Ehsan-ur-Rahim (alias Danish), a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, between November 2023 and March 2025.
Danish, now expelled from India, reportedly groomed Malhotra as an “intelligence asset” and connected her to Pakistani security officials, including operatives named Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. Investigators revealed Shakir’s contact was saved as “Jatt Randhawa” in her phone to avoid suspicion.
Key Evidence Collected:
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Three mobile phones, a laptop, and two devices from Harkirat Singh (IT head of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Committee).
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Suspicious financial transactions across multiple bank accounts.
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Travel records showing visits to Pakistan, China, Dubai, Thailand, and other countries.
Diary Entries Shed Light on Pakistan Visit
A diary recovered by police offers chilling insights into Malhotra’s Pakistan trips, including one before the Pahalgam terror attack. In undated entries, she described Pakistan as “crazy” and “colorful,” writing: “The love I received there cannot be put into words… Protect temples and reunite families separated since 1947.”
Authorities suspect her travel vlogs—often showcasing cultural exchanges—masked covert activities. Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan stated, “Her known income sources don’t justify foreign trips. We suspect external funding.”
Espionage Network Uncovered
Jyoti Malhotra is among 12 individuals arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in the past two weeks. Another YouTuber, Guzala, was detained in Punjab. Investigators believe this group funneled sensitive information to Pakistan, leveraging social media influencers for reconnaissance.
How the Network Operated:
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Communication via encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.
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Meetings with Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
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Financial handlers allegedly funding operations through untraceable transactions.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
Malhotra will be presented before a local court on Wednesday, where police will seek extended custody for deeper interrogation. Forensic analysis of her devices and financial trails is underway. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are jointly probing potential threats to national security.
Public Reaction and Fallout
Fans of Travel with JO expressed disbelief, with one commenting, “She seemed so genuine!” Meanwhile, security experts warn of rising espionage via social media influencers. Malhotra’s case highlights vulnerabilities in borderless digital platforms exploited for geopolitical agendas.
Stay tuned to The News Grid for real-time updates on this developing story.
