YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested in Espionage Case Linked to Pakistan

Haryana. In a shocking turn of events, Jyoti Malhotra, a popular Haryana-based YouTuber known for her travel channel Travel with Jo, boasting nearly 400,000 subscribers, has been arrested by Indian authorities on charges of espionage on behalf of Pakistan. The arrest has sent ripples through the digital influencer community and raised serious concerns about the potential misuse of social media platforms for anti-national activities.

Malhotra had reportedly visited Pakistan in 2023, securing a visa with the help of commission agents rather than through formal diplomatic channels. During her stay, she came into contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, who was employed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi at the time. Authorities allege that Danish played a key role in connecting her with several Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Following this discovery, Danish was declared persona non grata by the Indian government and expelled from the country on May 13, 2025.

According to investigative reports, Malhotra is accused of sharing sensitive information about strategic Indian locations with her Pakistani contacts. Moreover, she used her online influence to subtly promote a favorable image of Pakistan, often disguising such content under the banner of peace advocacy. Her activities included posting Instagram stories promoting the "Say No to War" slogan, particularly during the time of India's military response—Operation Sindoor—to the gruesome Pahalgam massacre.

In a further disturbing revelation, officials claim that Malhotra maintained an intimate relationship with one of the Pakistani operatives and even traveled with him to Bali, Indonesia. These developments have added layers of complexity to the case, hinting at deeper personal and ideological involvement.

Her arrest has triggered calls for a broader investigation into Indian influencers and YouTubers who have been amplifying similar messages, especially those advocating narratives like "Say No to War" or "Sarv Dharm Vada Pav" in the wake of national tragedies and military operations. Authorities are now reportedly scrutinizing the digital activities and foreign connections of multiple individuals in the influencer space.

This case serves as a stark reminder of how digital platforms can be weaponized to manipulate public opinion and undermine national security, warranting increased vigilance and regulation in the influencer ecosystem.