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Jyoti Malhotra Arrested for Alleged Spying for Pakistan
Hisar, Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra is currently facing severe charges. She was detained by the authorities on suspicion of spying for Pakistan. She is well-known for her “Travel with Jo” YouTube channel, which has an astounding 377,000 subscribers. A disturbing link to Pakistani intelligence agents is revealed in her story. Let’s examine what transpired.
Who Is Jyoti Malhotra?
Jyoti Malhotra, also known as Jyoti Rani, is a 33-year-old from Hisar. She calls herself a “nomadic Leo girl” and a “Haryanvi+Punjabi modern girl with old ideas.” Her YouTube channel, “Travel with Jo,” has 377,000 followers. Additionally, her Instagram, “travelwithjo1,” boasts 132,000 followers. She posted 487 videos, showcasing travels across India, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, and Thailand.
Her content often highlighted cultural comparisons. For instance, she shared videos of Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar and Pakistani food. However, her positive portrayal of Pakistan raised suspicions. Investigators believe she used her influence for propaganda.
Arrest and Charges
On May 16, 2025, Hisar police arrested Jyoti under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They accuse her of sharing sensitive Indian military information with Pakistani operatives. Consequently, a court granted five-day police custody. The Economic Offences Wing now handles her case.
Police found suspicious content on her phone and laptop. Furthermore, Punjab Police tipped off Hisar authorities on May 7. The FIR states she endangered India’s sovereignty and unity. Her actions allegedly benefited a foreign power.
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Connection to Pakistani Operatives
Jyoti went to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023 to obtain a visa. She met a commission official there named Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish. He introduced her to Pakistani intelligence agents, and they became close. She later made two trips to Pakistan, where she met Ali Ahwan, who made arrangements for her to stay.
Ali introduced her to operatives Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. To avoid suspicion, she saved Shakir’s number as “Jat Randhawa.” Back in India, she communicated via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She also met Ehsan multiple times. Notably, India expelled Ehsan on May 13, 2025, declaring him persona non grata for spying.
Confession to Police
During interrogation, Jyoti confessed to sharing sensitive information. She admitted to meeting Pakistani security officials through Ali. Moreover, she maintained contact with them after returning to India. Her confession led to charges of anti-national activities. However, her father, a retired Haryana electricity department employee, claims she’s innocent. He insists she’s being framed.
Jyoti lived with her father and uncle after losing her mother young. She worked in Gurgaon but lost her job during Covid. Afterward, she focused on her YouTube channel.
Travels and Social Media Influence
Jyoti’s videos covered her trips vividly. In 2023, she visited Pakistan, crossing the Attari-Wagah border. She described the experience as “memorable” and “goosebump-inducing.” Her videos showed Lahore’s streets, a Ramzan food tour, and the Katas Raj Temple. One Instagram post captioned “Ishq Lahore” in Urdu sparked interest.
She also visited Kashmir, posting about a Dal Lake shikara ride and a Srinagar-Banihal train journey. After the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26, she shared her views. Her video questioned whether people should visit Kashmir again. Additionally, she traveled to Bali, Indonesia, allegedly with an intelligence operative.
Part of a Larger Network
Jyoti wasn’t alone. Police arrested six others across Haryana and Punjab for similar spying charges. For example, Nauman Ilahi, a 24-year-old security guard, was arrested in Panipat. He received money for sharing information. Similarly, Devendra Singh Dhillon, a 25-year-old student, faced arrest in Kaithal. He admitted to sharing Patiala military cantonment images with Pakistan’s ISI.
Dhillon visited Pakistan via the Kartarpur corridor in 2023. Punjab Police also arrested two others last week. This suggests a widespread spying network.
India-Pakistan Tensions
The arrests come amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. In April 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 people. Survivors said attackers targeted Hindu men. India accuses Pakistan, connecting Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Kashmir Resistance group to the attack. India responded by launching Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
These events likely prompted increased scrutiny of spying activities. Jyoti’s case highlights the complex interplay of social media and national security.
What’s Next?
Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest has stunned her followers. Her journey from a travel vlogger to an alleged spy raises questions. How did a popular YouTuber get entangled in spying? Her case underscores the risks of foreign influence through social media. As investigations continue, more details may emerge about her role and the broader network.
For now, Jyoti remains in custody, and her future is uncertain. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about trust and national loyalty.