Content creator and actress Snehil Mehra, popularly known as 'BC Aunty,' has voiced her opinion on the recent arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who stands accused of espionage. In an exclusive interaction, Mehra expressed her disbelief at the unfolding events, likening it to a Bollywood movie plot. She emphasized the gravity of the accusations leveled against Malhotra by the Indian Army and stressed the importance of a thorough investigation.
Mehra stated that if Malhotra is found guilty, she should face severe punishment for betraying her country. She highlighted the irony of using the fame and recognition garnered from the Indian populace against the nation itself, deeming it an act of treason. "The country in which you live, the people of which have made you a celebrity, if you work against that country, it will be considered treason," Mehra asserted.
The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra has sent shockwaves through the internet community. Malhotra, a travel vlogger, is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Reports suggest that she was in contact with a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and allegedly used encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to communicate with Pakistani handlers, saving their contact information under fake names to avoid detection.
The investigation reveals a deeper connection, with Malhotra reportedly attending an Iftar dinner at the Pakistan High Commission last year, where she was seen with a Pakistani official later expelled from India on espionage charges. Further investigation suggests that during a visit to Pakistan in 2023, Malhotra was allegedly "honey-trapped" and introduced to ISI intelligence officials, with whom she maintained contact. It is also alleged that she travelled with an official to Bali.
The arrest has ignited a debate about the extent of freedom afforded to social media influencers and the need for regulations. Mehra weighed in on this aspect, drawing from her experience in the film industry. She pointed out the stringent protocols and permissions required for filming, especially in sensitive locations like religious sites or near military bases. She advocated for similar regulations to be imposed on influencers.
"Similarly, I believe some regulations should be placed on the influencers, as the smartphones in our hands have turned everyone into an influencer," Mehra stated. She suggested that implementing a layer of permissions would prevent influencers from engaging in activities that could compromise national security. Drawing a parallel to censorship in movies, she argued for rules and regulations in the social media landscape to ensure accountability.
Hisar SP Shashank Sawan noted that in modern warfare, adversaries attempt to create a positive narrative in their favor, suggesting Malhotra's role was to help set such narratives. According to the FIR, investigators claim Malhotra was asked by Pakistani handlers to promote a positive image of Pakistan through her social media posts. She allegedly attempted to blame India and the Pahalgam victims for the carnage.
The case has prompted law enforcement agencies to investigate whether Malhotra was part of a broader pro-Pakistan influencer network. The arrest of other individuals from Punjab, accused of leaking sensitive information about army and air force bases to the ISI, has further fueled these concerns. The incident underscores the potential misuse of social media platforms for espionage and anti-India activities, highlighting the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability within the influencer community.
