Haryana police have arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra on charges of espionage, revealing that she had multiple visits to Pakistan and maintained contacts with Pakistani intelligence operatives. According to senior police officials, Malhotra was allegedly being groomed as an asset by Pakistani agencies. During the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, triggered by the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, she was reportedly in touch with a Pakistani officer stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan stated that while Malhotra did not have direct access to sensitive military or defense information, she was closely communicating with Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and other YouTube influencers, who were also in contact with PIOs. He emphasized that such recruitment of influencers is a form of modern warfare aimed at spreading propaganda.
Malhotra, who operates the YouTube channel ‘Travel with JO’ with a considerable follower base, was arrested at her residence in New Aggarsain Extension and booked under the Official Secrets Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She was placed under police remand for five days.
Police are currently investigating her financial transactions, travel history—including multiple visits to Pakistan and one to China—and her meetings with suspected individuals. Forensic analysis of her electronic devices is underway to ascertain the extent of information shared. The arrest comes shortly after the expulsion of a Pakistani official from India on espionage charges and follows similar arrests in Punjab linked to the same network. Authorities are coordinating with central agencies to probe the full scope of this case.
