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A travel blogger from Hisar, Haryana, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in espionage activities linked to a Pakistani intelligence network, marking the third such arrest in the state within a week following the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement. The accused, Jyoti Malhotra, who operated a YouTube channel named “Travel with Jo,” is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani operatives and has been charged under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act. She has been placed under a five-day police remand for further investigation.
Confirming the arrest, Hisar police spokesperson Vikas Kumar stated that Malhotra was taken into custody after a detailed investigation revealed her links with multiple Pakistani operatives. According to the FIR filed by sub-inspector Sanjay at Hisar Civil Lines police station, the investigation began after a tip-off about Malhotra’s activities and frequent communication with Pakistani handlers.
As per the FIR, Malhotra had visited the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in 2023, where she reportedly came in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission. Rahim allegedly facilitated Malhotra’s visits to Pakistan, where she met with Pakistani intelligence officials, including individuals identified as Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. Malhotra allegedly stayed with Ali Ehwan, who arranged her lodging and travel within Pakistan, and was introduced to key intelligence operatives during her stay.
The FIR further indicates that Malhotra used encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to maintain communication with her handlers, disguising the identities of her contacts using coded names. Investigators allege that Malhotra saved Shakir’s contact under the alias “Jatt Randhawa” to avoid suspicion. After returning to India, Malhotra allegedly continued to provide information to her handlers and was reportedly tasked with using her social media presence to project a positive image of Pakistan.
Authorities suspect that Malhotra’s association with Rahim extended beyond professional interactions, with evidence suggesting that she entered into an intimate relationship with the operative. Investigators are also examining her travel history, which includes a trip to Bali, Indonesia, allegedly with Rahim. During this period, Malhotra continued to communicate with Rahim using encrypted messaging services, raising further suspicion of espionage activities.
Danish, the PHC staffer identified as Malhotra’s main handler, was declared persona non grata by the Indian government and was expelled from India on May 13, 2025. Sources indicate that Rahim played a key role in establishing a network of informants in India, particularly across Haryana and Punjab, targeting vulnerable individuals and using them to gather information on sensitive locations and security establishments.
The investigation has also uncovered a network of financial conduits allegedly used to channel funds to Malhotra and other operatives. Police are currently tracing the financial transactions linked to Malhotra to determine the extent of the spy network and identify other potential operatives.
Reacting to the arrest, security experts have raised concerns over the use of social media influencers and bloggers by foreign intelligence agencies to gather sensitive information. “The use of social media influencers as intelligence assets is a growing trend,” said a senior intelligence official. “These individuals often have unrestricted access to sensitive locations and are capable of moving around without arousing suspicion. It is crucial for security agencies to remain vigilant and monitor such activities closely.”
Meanwhile, residents of Hisar expressed shock over Malhotra’s arrest, describing her as a well-known local personality who frequently posted travel content on her YouTube channel. “We never suspected that she could be involved in such activities,” said a neighbor who requested anonymity. “She often talked about her travels to Pakistan and other countries, but we thought it was part of her work as a travel blogger.”
The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving social media influencers or individuals with unexplained sources of income. “The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra underscores the need for heightened vigilance and public awareness. We appeal to citizens to come forward with any information that could assist in this ongoing investigation,” said Vikas Kumar.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement agencies are focusing on identifying additional members of the spy network and tracking Malhotra’s financial transactions to uncover the extent of the operation. The case has also prompted discussions on the need for stricter monitoring of social media platforms and travel-related content to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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