The Uttar Pradesh government has enforced a comprehensive ban on photography and videography at all railway stations across the state, effective immediately, after the arrest of Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra on suspicion of espionage. The move, announced on May 28, 2025, is a direct response to concerns that videos recorded at stations were being circulated on social media and shared with foreign entities, including Pakistan.
Enhanced security measures, including increased surveillance and stricter monitoring, have been implemented at key stations—particularly those in sensitive and religious locations such as Mathura, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
Officials have made it clear that any individual found recording without prior written permission from railway authorities will face legal action, signalling a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorised content creation on railway premises.
Security Measures Intensified at Railway Stations
In the wake of the recent espionage case, authorities have dramatically ramped up security protocols at all railway stations in Uttar Pradesh. Railway officials report that the ban is crucial, as unauthorised bloggers, vloggers, and social media influencers have been found filming station facilities and activities, sometimes inadvertently capturing sensitive details.
“The administration is alert and will take strict action against any such activities. Our priority is to ensure that no information that could compromise public safety or national security is leaked,” a senior railway official stated.
Surveillance cameras have been upgraded, and additional personnel have been deployed to monitor passenger movement and enforce the new guidelines. Stations in religious and high-traffic areas, such as Mathura Junction and Ayodhya Dham, have been placed under special watch, with authorities urging the public to cooperate for their own safety.
Espionage Case Sheds Light on Security Gaps
The sweeping ban follows the high-profile arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber from Hisar, Haryana, who managed the ‘Travel With Jo’ channel. According to police and intelligence agencies, Malhotra was detained after surveillance footage revealed her recording videos at multiple railway stations and allegedly transmitting them to contacts in Pakistan.
Investigators claim that Malhotra had travelled extensively, both within India and abroad, and was allegedly involved in sharing sensitive information that could be exploited for espionage. This incident has exposed vulnerabilities in how digital content is created and shared in public spaces, prompting the government to act decisively.
Officials have clarified that exceptions to the ban will only be made for those obtaining explicit written approval from the railway administration, and any violation will invite strict legal consequences under relevant security laws.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Uttar Pradesh government’s proactive stance highlights the urgent need to safeguard public infrastructure and citizens from the evolving threats posed by digital espionage. While the ban on photography and videography may inconvenience travellers, content creators, and the general public, it is a necessary step in an era where information can be weaponised with ease.
The Logical Indian believes that such measures must be balanced with transparency, accountability, and respect for public freedoms. We urge authorities to ensure that the process for obtaining permissions is clear and accessible, and that enforcement is both fair and sensitive to genuine creative or journalistic pursuits. As a community, how do we strike the right balance between national security and the free, responsible use of technology in public spaces?
