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YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Accused of Espionage, Allegedly Shared Sensitive Information with Pakistani Intelligence Officials
In a startling development that has raised serious national security concerns, Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. According to reports, Malhotra confessed to being in regular contact with Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, over a span of nearly 17 months—from November 2023 to March 2025.
The arrest comes in the wake of an intensive investigation by Indian intelligence and security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Haryana Police. Sources cited by News18 have revealed that Malhotra allegedly shared classified details regarding Operation Sindoor, an Indian military operation aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan. The operation involved tactical blackouts imposed by the Centre, and Malhotra reportedly disclosed these sensitive movements to foreign handlers.
Alleged Espionage Activities
Malhotra’s communications with Pakistani intelligence were not isolated events. Officials have confirmed that she had been cultivated as an “asset” by Danish, who worked at the Pakistan High Commission. During interrogations, Malhotra allegedly admitted to frequent meetings with Danish in Delhi, as well as maintaining communication with other operatives in Islamabad, even after returning to India from international trips.
She had also traveled to Pakistan and China, trips which are now under close scrutiny by central intelligence agencies. Investigators are looking into the circumstances of her visits, the individuals she met, and whether these trips were linked to espionage activities.
Further complicating the case, Danish reportedly introduced Malhotra to another Pakistani operative, Ali Ahwan, who arranged accommodation for her in Islamabad and scheduled meetings with local security officials. These developments point toward a coordinated espionage effort aimed at gathering intelligence on Indian military strategies and internal affairs.
Forensic Analysis and Evidence
Authorities have seized critical digital evidence in connection with the case. Three mobile phones and a laptop belonging to Jyoti Malhotra have been sent for forensic analysis, along with two mobile phones belonging to Harkirat Singh, the IT in-charge of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. Investigators suspect Singh may also have ties to the espionage network, and his role is currently being examined.
Officials are analyzing the data for any signs of communication with foreign operatives, encrypted exchanges, document transfers, and financial transactions. Preliminary findings suggest Malhotra maintained multiple bank accounts, some of which recorded suspicious transactions over recent months. These financial records are now under scrutiny to determine whether she received payments in exchange for the classified information.
Danish Declared Persona Non Grata
In response to the revelations, the Indian government has taken diplomatic action by declaring Danish persona non grata, effectively expelling him from the country. Diplomatic sources said the decision was made after it became evident that Danish was actively recruiting Indian nationals for intelligence-gathering purposes under the guise of diplomatic duties.
According to Hisar police spokesperson Vikas Kumar, Danish had been systematically developing Malhotra as an intelligence asset, suggesting a deliberate and long-term plan to infiltrate Indian networks through digital and social media influencers. Investigators believe Malhotra was not working alone and are probing her connections to other YouTubers and social media figures to uncover the full extent of the espionage ring.
Court Proceedings and Legal Action
Jyoti Malhotra is currently in police custody and is scheduled to be produced before a local court on Wednesday, where authorities are expected to seek an extension of her remand to allow for further interrogation and evidence collection.
A senior police officer confirmed that at least 11 other individuals have been arrested over the past two weeks in connection with the same espionage network. These individuals are believed to be part of a larger operation orchestrated by Pakistani intelligence to gather confidential information through non-traditional means such as digital infiltration and manipulation of social media narratives.
National Security Implications
This case has sent shockwaves through the intelligence community and raised pressing questions about India’s digital security protocols. The use of influencers and social media personalities as tools of espionage highlights the evolving nature of modern intelligence-gathering strategies, moving beyond traditional espionage models to leverage the reach and influence of online content creators.
The government is expected to review and possibly tighten regulations concerning foreign contacts of public influencers, especially those with access to sensitive information or involvement in political and military discourse.
Conclusion
The arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra marks a significant escalation in efforts by Pakistani intelligence to penetrate Indian systems through unconventional methods. As investigations continue, the case serves as a critical reminder of the need for vigilance in an era where information warfare and digital espionage have become powerful tools for adversaries.
Indian authorities are leaving no stone unturned in unraveling the network, identifying accomplices, and ensuring national security is not compromised by digital-era vulnerabilities.
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