Six Indian nationals, including Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, have been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan by sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Malhotra, who runs the popular travel channel “Travel with Jo” with over 3.77 lakh subscribers, reportedly developed close ties with a staff member of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during her visits to Pakistan in 2023.
The espionage network, spanning Haryana and Punjab, involved agents, financial conduits, and informants who were manipulated through emotional relationships, monetary incentives, and false promises. The Economic Offences Wing and Intelligence Bureau are actively investigating the case, which has raised serious national security concerns and diplomatic repercussions.
Influencer’s Double Life: From Travel Vlogs to Espionage
Jyoti Malhotra, a well-known travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, captivated thousands of followers with her engaging videos showcasing diverse cultures and destinations. However, beneath this vibrant social media persona, Malhotra allegedly led a secret life as an espionage agent for Pakistan.
According to police investigations, she visited Pakistan thrice in 2023-twice as part of Sikh pilgrim groups and once via the Kartarpur Corridor-after acquiring visas through commission agents. During these visits, she forged a close relationship with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, who introduced her to multiple Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).
Authorities revealed that Malhotra maintained continuous contact with these operatives through encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat, using pseudonyms to conceal their identities. One such contact, Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, was saved in her phone as “Jatt Randhawa.” Investigators allege that Malhotra shared sensitive information about Indian military locations and strategic sites, information that could jeopardise national security.
Additionally, she is accused of using her social media influence to project a positive image of Pakistan, potentially aiding propaganda efforts. Her relationship with one PIO became intimate, culminating in a trip to Bali, Indonesia, further deepening her ties with Pakistani handlers. Following her arrest on May 15, Malhotra has been charged under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with a written confession obtained by the Economic Offences Wing.
A Wider Espionage Network: Manipulation and Money Trails
Malhotra’s arrest is part of a larger crackdown on an espionage ring operating across Haryana and Punjab, involving at least six individuals arrested so far, with police sources indicating more arrests in the pipeline. Among the accused is Guzala, a 32-year-old widow from Malerkotla, Punjab, who was emotionally manipulated by Danish.
After meeting him at the Pakistan High Commission while applying for a visa in February 2025, Guzala was persuaded to switch from WhatsApp to Telegram for “safer” communication. Danish gained her trust by promising marriage and initiating a romantic relationship through chats and video calls.
Financial transactions played a significant role in maintaining control over the network. Danish sent Guzala Rs 10,000 via PhonePe and Rs 20,000 via Google Pay, later instructing her to distribute Rs 10,000 in smaller amounts to specific recipients. Guzala’s friend, Banu Nasreena, also a widow from Malerkotla, received a visa facilitated by Danish, further expanding the network’s reach.
Other accused include Yameen Mohd, involved in financial dealings and visa facilitation; Devinder Singh Dhillon, a Sikh student recruited during a pilgrimage to Pakistan who sent videos of the Patiala cantonment; and Arman from Nuh, Haryana, who supplied Indian SIM cards, transferred funds, and attended the Defence Expo 2025 on instructions from Pakistani handlers.
Officials have described the network’s modus operandi as exploiting vulnerable individuals from religious and social backgrounds by leveraging emotional connections, monetary gifts, and false promises of marriage. The accused have reportedly confessed to their roles, and investigations are ongoing to identify further operatives and prevent additional breaches.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra and her associates underscores the multifaceted challenges of safeguarding national security in an era where digital platforms and social media can be weaponised. This case reveals how emotional vulnerabilities and social trust can be exploited to create espionage networks that operate under the guise of ordinary citizens, including influential social media figures.
While the allegations are serious and demand a meticulous, transparent investigation, it is imperative to uphold the principles of justice, due process, and empathy.
The Logical Indian believes that fostering peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding must remain central even amid heightened security concerns. As we navigate a world where borders are blurred by technology and social media, how can we build resilience against covert threats without compromising our values of openness and coexistence?
