YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested for Alleged Espionage for Pakistan
In today’s digital world, content creators and YouTubers hold massive influence over the youth and society. Many use their platforms to educate, inspire, or entertain. But some, unfortunately, are now misusing this power to spread misleading narratives — or worse, to compromise national security.
Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber with over 3 lakh followers, has been arrested in Haryana on serious charges of spying for Pakistan’s ISI.
At a time when our soldiers stand guard at the borders, putting their lives on the line every single day, it’s heartbreaking to see individuals from within betraying the nation for personal gain.
In a shocking development, during a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian intelligence agencies arrested a well-known travel YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, on charges of spying for Pakistan.
Who is YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra?
Jyoti Malhotra is a social media influencer from Hisar, Haryana, best known for her YouTube channel “Travel With Jo”, which has 377,000 subscribers.
She is also popular on Instagram, with 131,000 followers, and often shares travel videos from different countries, including Pakistan.
Her content mostly features scenic travel spots, local foods, and cultural experiences. However, many of her videos have focused heavily on Pakistan, often portraying it in a positive light.
What Are the Allegations on YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra
Authorities allege that Jyoti was in contact with a spy network operating in North India, reportedly connected to Pakistani intelligence agencies.
- According to initial reports, she shared sensitive information with Pakistani agents, and five others are also believed to be involved in the same network.
She was arrested from the New Aggarwal Extension area in Hisar, and investigations revealed that she had visited Pakistan twice — in part through visa arrangements made by commission agents.
During her 2023 visit, she reportedly befriended Ehsaan-ur-Rahim a.k.a. Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, who allegedly introduced her to Pakistani intelligence officials.
Her Travel to Kashmir Raised Concerns
In addition to her Pakistan visits, Jyoti also traveled to Kashmir and uploaded videos involving military locations and interactions with locals and soldiers.
- She posted visuals of herself enjoying a shikara ride on Dal Lake and taking the Srinagar–Banihal train route — clips that have now come under scrutiny.
Authorities say she may have been part of an active espionage network in Haryana and Punjab, and that her content may have been subtly used to promote a positive image of Pakistan while potentially collecting information.
Jyoti Malhotra’s Passport and Travel History
Jyoti had obtained her passport in October 2018, valid until October 2028, and has been actively traveling and posting content on her channel for the last few years.
- She has visited several countries, including Pakistan, Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Bangladesh.
She is known to have visited Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan multiple times — once alone and twice with Sikh religious groups from India.
An Ongoing Investigation
The case has raised serious concerns about national security risks through social media influencers, especially when content overlaps with sensitive locations and international interests. Authorities are currently interrogating Jyoti and her alleged associates, and further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the network she was allegedly involved in.
Conclusion
While social media offers creators a powerful tool to connect with people and cultures, it also comes with responsibility. Jyoti Malhotra’s case is a disturbing reminder that influence without integrity can lead to serious consequences — not just for an individual, but for an entire nation.
