NEW DELHI: Haryana YouTuber and travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on Saturday in a high-profile espionage case. The popular content creator, known for her engaging travel vlogs and cross-border videos, has been accused of spying for Pakistan and allegedly sharing sensitive information with an official from the Pakistan High Commission, who was expelled from India on May 13 on similar espionage charges.
Malhotra’s arrest has sent shockwaves through social media, especially among her 3.77 lakh YouTube subscribers. Her channel features 487 travel-centric videos, several of which showcase her trips to Pakistan. Titles like “Indian Girl in Pakistan,” “Indian Girl Exploring Lahore,” and “Indian Girl Rides Luxury Bus in Pakistan” had earned her significant popularity and engagement.
The timing of her arrest is especially sensitive, coming shortly after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians on April 22 — an incident that has further strained India-Pakistan relations.
10 Key Developments in the Jyoti Malhotra Espionage Case:
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High-Profile Arrest:
NEW DELHI: Haryana YouTuber and travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra was arrested by Civil Lines police in Hisar for allegedly passing on classified information to Pakistan. -
Link to Pakistani Officials:
According to the FIR filed by Sub-Inspector Sanjay, Malhotra came into contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, an official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during her 2023 visa application. -
Repeated Meetings at Embassy:
Jyoti allegedly met Danish several times at the High Commission and developed ongoing communication with Pakistani intelligence personnel. -
Sensitive Data Transmission:
Authorities claim she transmitted sensitive information via encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat, actively disguising her contacts using aliases. -
Trips to Pakistan:
Jyoti traveled to Pakistan twice. There, she stayed with Danish’s associate, Ali Ahwan, who introduced her to intelligence figures like Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. -
Clever Disguises:
To evade Indian authorities, she saved Shahbaz’s contact as ‘Jatt Randhawa’ in her phone—a strategy often used in covert communication. -
Photo Evidence:
A photo dated March 22, 2025, shared on her social media showed Jyoti at the Pakistan High Commission alongside two Indian YouTubers. The caption claimed it was taken during an official visit. -
Official Secrets Act Violation:
Police revealed that she admitted to sharing sensitive intel with foreign agents, which constitutes a breach of the Official Secrets Act and a serious threat to national security. -
Legal Action Taken:
She has been charged under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for endangering India’s sovereignty. -
Wider Crackdown:
Jyoti’s arrest came a day after a 25-year-old postgraduate student in Kaithal and a 24-year-old man, Nauman Ilahi from Panipat, were also detained for suspected espionage ties to Pakistan.
This case has raised alarm bells among national security agencies, who are now probing the growing misuse of social media platforms and travel content as potential tools for cross-border intelligence sharing. As the investigation deepens, questions are being raised about the fine line between cultural exchange and national betrayal.
Aamir Ahmad Fateh is a seasoned digital marketer and experienced news writer with over 7 years of expertise in covering political affairs, social issues, technology, sports, and Bollywood. He is the founder and chief editor of 24fnews.com, where he is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely news to a wide audience every day. His sharp insights and journalistic integrity make him a trusted voice in the digital news space.
