Haryana YouTuber Among Six Arrested for Espionage Links to Pakistan
A Haryana-based YouTuber and five others have been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, exposing a cross-border espionage network operating via social media and diplomatic channels.
Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel Travel with Jo, was identified as one of the six accused in a growing espionage investigation. She allegedly established links with Pakistani intelligence operatives during a 2023 trip to Pakistan, facilitated through commission agents who helped her secure a visa.
Authorities said Malhotra developed close ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in New Delhi. Danish, now expelled from India and declared persona non grata on May 13, 2025, reportedly connected her to multiple Pakistani intelligence officers.
Malhotra remained in contact with the operatives through encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. One key contact, known as “Shakir” alias Rana Shahbaz, was saved in her phone as “Jatt Randhawa.” Investigators allege that she passed on sensitive information related to Indian locations and installations.
“She was actively projecting a positive image of Pakistan on social media while serving as a conduit for espionage,” a senior official involved in the case said. “This is not just a case of illegal contact but a direct breach of national security.”
Authorities also said Malhotra had travelled to Bali, Indonesia, with one of the operatives, further deepening suspicions of her involvement.
Besides Malhotra, five others across Haryana and Punjab were arrested for playing roles as informants, financial handlers, and operatives. The arrests followed coordinated raids after surveillance flagged high-risk communications and unexplained financial transactions.
A written confession was reportedly obtained from Malhotra. She has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
The case has now been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Hisar for deeper investigation. Authorities are also probing whether the accused received payments through international financial channels and whether more individuals are involved.
Officials added that the Ministry of External Affairs has raised a formal protest with the Pakistan High Commission over the alleged misuse of diplomatic immunity and is reviewing visa processes for Pakistani visits.
