YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra arrested for spying for Pakistan

A popular travel vlogger from Haryana, Jyoti Malhotra, has been arrested along with five others for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence officials. Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel "Travel with Jo" and has over 3.77 lakh subscribers, is accused of using her platform to send confidential data to Pakistan.

Reports suggest that Malhotra traveled to Pakistan in 2023 after obtaining a visa through agents. During her visit, she reportedly came in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, an official working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Danish, who was expelled from India on May 13, 2025, is said to have introduced her to several Pakistani intelligence operatives.

According to investigators, Malhotra stayed in touch with these operatives through secure apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She even saved one of her contacts, Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, under a false name "Jatt Randhawa." Authorities are now examining her digital devices to determine the type and amount of information she might have shared.

This case is not limited to Malhotra alone. The spy network appears to involve several people from Haryana and Punjab. Those arrested include Yameen, Devinder, and Arman, who are suspected of acting as agents, providing financial help, or sharing critical details with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Following these developments, the Odisha Police have decided to closely monitor local YouTube content creators. The goal is to stop misuse of online platforms for spying or illegal activities. As part of the process, YouTubers may undergo background checks and be asked to submit identity documents, details about their income sources, travel history, and international collaborations—especially those with large audiences or foreign ties.

This incident highlights how social media and digital content platforms can be misused for spying and sharing important information. Investigations are ongoing, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the spy network and identify others who may be involved.