YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested for Spying, Sharing Indian Army Info with Pakistan
In a shocking development, Jyoti Malhotra, also known as Jyoti Rani, a popular travel YouTuber who ran the channel Travel With Jo, has been arrested by Haryana Police on charges of espionage. She is accused of sharing sensitive information about the Indian Army with Pakistani officials. The 33-year-old is among six individuals recently arrested from Punjab and Haryana in a widening spy network case.
From Travel Blogger to Espionage Accused
Malhotra, known for her vibrant travel vlogs and self-described identity as a “nomadic Leo girl wanderer” and a “modern girl with a traditional outlook”, was arrested from Hisar. Officials allege that she came into contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim (alias Danish), an official at the Pakistan High Commission, during a 2023 visit to obtain a Pakistani visa. Malhotra later traveled to Pakistan at least twice, where she met intelligence agents under the guise of tourism.
According to her confession, Malhotra met Pakistani security officials Shakir and Rana Shahbaz, and stayed in touch with them through encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram. She reportedly saved one of their contact numbers under the name “Jat Randhawa” to avoid detection.
Sharing of Classified Information
Police officials state that Malhotra shared anti-national and sensitive military information with these contacts, including the movement and deployment details of the Indian Army. Her connection with Rahim, who has now been declared persona non grata and expelled from India for espionage, is considered central to the case.
She has been charged under laws relating to endangering national sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Malhotra has been remanded in police custody for five days for further investigation.
Misuse of Social Media and Personal Influence
The case has raised serious concerns over how personal and digital platforms can be misused for hostile activities. Malhotra’s YouTube channel featured videos that showed her entering Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border, visiting temples, and participating in Ramzan food tours. In a March video, she described the emotional experience of crossing into Pakistan as “goosebump-inducing” and “memorable”.
While the content appeared innocuous, investigators now believe it was part of a broader cover for illicit activities.
A Wider Spy Ring Uncovered
Malhotra is not the only one arrested. A 24-year-old security guard, Nauman Ilahi, was detained in Panipat for allegedly passing information to Pakistan in exchange for money. Devendra Singh Dhillon, a 25-year-old political science student from Khalsa College, Patiala, was arrested after reportedly sharing images of the Patiala military cantonment with ISI officers. He is said to have traveled to Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor.
Two other individuals were arrested by Punjab Police last week on similar charges, indicating a growing network of spies operating under civilian covers.
National Security and Public Awareness
The arrests have sent shockwaves across the country and prompted calls for greater scrutiny of foreign contacts and digital communications. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious online or offline activities that could jeopardize national security.
As the investigation deepens, questions remain about how many others may be involved and how social media platforms are being exploited for espionage in the digital age.
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