May 18, 2025
In a significant development, Jyoti Malhotra, a prominent travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, has been arrested on charges of espionage for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” which boasts over 3.77 lakh subscribers, was taken into custody by the Civil Lines police in Hisar on Friday.
Allegations and Arrest
Authorities allege that Malhotra maintained consistent contact with Pakistani intelligence personnel and transmitted sensitive information via encrypted social media applications, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She was apprehended from the New Aggarsain Extension area and has been booked under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Connections to Pakistani Operatives
Investigations have revealed that Malhotra had interactions with a Pakistani national named Danish, who was previously expelled from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi for espionage activities. Malhotra reportedly visited the High Commission in 2023 to obtain a visa and subsequently traveled to Pakistan on multiple occasions. These trips, allegedly sponsored, have raised questions about the sources of her funding.
Potential Links to Other Influencers
The case has prompted a broader investigation into possible connections between Malhotra and other social media influencers. Odisha Police are examining her links to a Puri-based YouTuber, who recently visited Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. Authorities are exploring whether these individuals were part of a larger network engaged in espionage activities.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Malhotra was produced before a local court and remanded to five days of police custody. She is being interrogated by intelligence agencies to ascertain the extent of the information shared and to identify potential collaborators. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities analyzing her financial transactions and communications.
This arrest underscores the growing concerns about the misuse of social media platforms for intelligence gathering and the vulnerability of digital influencers to foreign infiltration. Authorities are urging increased vigilance and awareness among content creators regarding national security implications.
