Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan
In a sensational development, Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, known for her popular travel channel "Travel with Jo," has been arrested along with five to six members of her group on charges of espionage and leaking sensitive information to Pakistan. Authorities have accused Malhotra of endangering India’s sovereignty and national security by allegedly maintaining contact with operatives linked to Pakistan’s intelligence network.
Alleged Links with Pakistan High Commission Officials
According to intelligence reports, Jyoti Malhotra first visited the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in 2023 to apply for a visa for her travel vlog. It was during this visit that she reportedly came in contact with a Pakistani High Commission employee, identified as Ehsan Ur Rahim, also known by the alias Danish. Their interactions allegedly deepened into a personal relationship, which eventually paved the way for further connections. Investigators say Malhotra later met several of Rahim’s associates, including individuals named Ali Ahwan, Shakir, and Rana Shahbaz. Notably, she had saved Shakir’s number in her phone under the alias "Jat Radhwa" in an apparent attempt to conceal their communication.
Espionage via Social Media Channels
After returning to India, Malhotra reportedly remained in regular contact with these individuals through encrypted social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram. It is through these channels, officials allege, that she began sharing sensitive information with Pakistani handlers. According to government sources, the information shared is believed to have serious implications for national security, prompting swift action by intelligence and security agencies.
Declared Persona Non Grata
Given the gravity of the charges, the Indian government has declared Jyoti Malhotra persona non grata, effectively labeling her a national security threat. She is currently under investigation for violations under multiple sections of the Official Secrets Act and other laws related to national security.
A Shocking Fall for a Public Figure
Jyoti Malhotra gained popularity as a travel vlogger, showcasing destinations across India and abroad on her YouTube channel Travel with Jo. Her fan base is now in disbelief following the allegations. Sources suggest that during her 2023 visit to Pakistan, Malhotra not only traveled under the pretense of content creation but may have also shared undisclosed information of strategic importance.
The case has sent shockwaves across the online content creator community and the general public alike, raising serious concerns about misuse of digital platforms and international travel under false pretenses. Further investigations are ongoing, and officials have stated that additional arrests and revelations are expected in the coming days.