In a startling development, travel vlogger and YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on Saturday by the Hisar Civil Lines Police in Haryana on serious charges of espionage for Pakistan. Authorities allege that Malhotra was in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and had been sharing sensitive information through encrypted messaging platforms.
According to police sources, Malhotra used platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to communicate with individuals linked to Pakistan’s intelligence services. During interrogation, she reportedly confessed to having met Ahsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish during a 2023 delegation visit to Pakistan. Their communication continued even after she returned to India.
On a subsequent visit, allegedly facilitated by her contacts in Pakistan, she met Ali Ahsan, who introduced her to members of the intelligence network. Investigators say she admitted to sharing confidential information and saving their numbers under misleading names to avoid detection.
Police claim these acts may amount to a breach under India’s Official Secrets Act—a serious offence that poses a threat to national security. Read more about the Official Secrets Act here.
Who Is Jyoti Malhotra?
Jyoti Malhotra is known for her YouTube travel channel, “Desi-Indo-Joe”, where she has chronicled trips across several countries, including Pakistan. Her content often highlighted cross-border cultural exchange, which had drawn attention online for its tone and themes.
Malhotra’s case raises new concerns about how social media influencers and creators could potentially be exploited by foreign actors. With encrypted apps and vast online reach, creators can inadvertently become tools in cross-border information warfare.
Authorities are expected to file a detailed charge sheet under the Official Secrets Act. Cyber forensics teams are currently analyzing her digital devices for further evidence.
The case also comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan and follows earlier warnings by intelligence agencies about the use of “soft diplomacy” and digital propaganda by foreign handlers.
