Jyoti Malhotra, an Indian vlogger and travel influencer with a significant online presence, has been arrested by Haryana Police on suspicion of espionage, accused of spying for Pakistani agencies. The arrest occurred in Hisar, Haryana, and has sparked considerable media attention, particularly given the recent tensions between India and Pakistan.
Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel "Travel with JO" with over 380,000 subscribers and has over 130,000 followers on Instagram, allegedly shared sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Police reports suggest she was in contact with a Pakistan High Commission official, Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, who was recently expelled from India for activities "not in keeping with his official status." Malhotra is alleged to have traveled to Pakistan multiple times, with her last trip in March 2025.
According to authorities, Malhotra used communication platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to share information. To avoid suspicion, she reportedly saved the contact numbers of her Pakistani handlers under deceptive names. Investigators believe this was a deliberate attempt to conceal her interactions with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Police also stated that Pakistani intelligence operatives were allegedly cultivating Malhotra as an "asset."
During interrogation, Malhotra showed no signs of remorse and maintained she was merely exercising her freedom of speech. Sources revealed that she was asked to push a pro-Pakistani narrative, a tactic described as a new form of warfare. The police are investigating whether Malhotra leaked information on any sensitive military or non-military assets to Pakistani intel officials.
Malhotra's arrest comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. In early May 2025, India conducted strikes on what it claimed were "terror infrastructure" inside Pakistan, following a deadly militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir.
The investigation has also revealed that Harkirat Singh, an employee of Haryana's Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, allegedly introduced Malhotra to the Pakistani High Commission official. Singh reportedly helped Malhotra obtain visas for her trips to Pakistan as part of a jatha, a group of Sikh pilgrims.
Following her arrest, Malhotra's Instagram account was suspended. Police are also investigating other travel influencers who may have collaborated with her, especially those who have visited Pakistan. Authorities are scrutinizing her visits to Pakistan and Kashmir to determine if she was directed to upload travel videos featuring specific locations or content.
Malhotra's father has denied the allegations, stating that she visited Pakistan after acquiring the necessary permissions. However, police are questioning how she financed her extensive travel, which includes visits to countries like Bangladesh, China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
In addition to Malhotra's case, several other individuals have been arrested across India on suspicion of espionage for Pakistan, including a businessman in Uttar Pradesh accused of smuggling and providing financial support to ISI agents.
