Hisar-resident travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, previously famous for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” now faces serious charges of spying. Police arrested her this week on allegations of sharing sensitive details to Pakistani agents, the third Haryana arrest since–Pakistan ceasefire agreement.
According to an FIR lodged at the Hisar Civil Lines police station by sub-inspector Sanjay, Jyoti Malhotra came under scrutiny after revealing connections with Pakistani High Commission staff. “The woman revealed that she remained in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish and during her Pakistan visit in 2023, she met Ali Ehwan, who ensured my staying and travelling in Pakistan,” the FIR reads.
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested by Hisar Police in a high-profile espionage case. She was reportedly in contact with a Pakistani High Commission officer named Danish, who allegedly facilitated her visit to Pakistan. Jyoti, who runs a travel channel, is accused of… pic.twitter.com/MOUlupAM6f
— IANS (@ians_india) May 17, 2025
Links to Pakistani Intelligence Networks
The officials confirmed that Ehwan brought Malhotra in contact with Pakistani security and intelligence officials. “She also met Shakir and Rana Shahbaz,” the FIR read. In addition, she covered up her link with Shakir by saving his number under the name “Jatt Randhawa.”
Even after having returned to India in 2023, she kept in touch with these operatives on encrypted channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. Investigators assert she had gone to Pakistan twice during that year as well as to Bali accompanied by a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) in whose arms she had a close relationship.
Danish Expelled, Network Exposed
India expelled Danish, the Pakistani High Commission official who allegedly introduced Malhotra to these intelligence circles, and declared him persona non grata on May 13, 2025. While she was in Delhi, Malhotra maintained her coordination with him, fueling suspicions regarding her activities.
A Widening Spy Ring?
Police have also discovered a larger network that functions across Haryana and Punjab, employing operatives, money conduits, and informants. “She was part of a network that stretched across Haryana and Punjab,” the FIR stated. Malhotra has been sent to five-day police custody for further questioning.
Her arrest has highlighted how foreign agents increasingly abuse online platforms and how influencers can fall prey to espionage under the guise of diplomacy and travel.
