Travel Vlogger Held in Pakistan Spy Ring Probe

 

YouTuber Turned Spy: Police Uncover Espionage Web Linked to Pakistan

 

In a startling development, police in Hisar have arrested Jyoti Malhotra, a prominent travel content creator, for her alleged involvement in a Pakistan-linked espionage network operating across northern India. The 34-year-old woman, widely known online as the face behind the YouTube channel Travel with Jo, is now at the centre of a high-stakes counter-intelligence investigation.

According to information obtained from Hisar Police, Malhotra was apprehended under suspicion of passing classified information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. She has been charged under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following her arrest, she was remanded to police custody for five days. The case has since been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing for further inquiries.

Police sources revealed that Malhotra’s alleged activities came to light following a complaint lodged at the Civil Lines Police Station by a sub-inspector involved in surveillance operations. Investigators believe she established contact in 2023 with a man identified as Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, employed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Acting as her primary handler, Danish reportedly connected her to other agents affiliated with Pakistani intelligence services.

Evidence gathered indicates that Malhotra made two trips to Pakistan during the same year. During these visits, she is believed to have met with multiple operatives — identified only as Ali Ehwan, Shakir, and Rana Shahbaz. In an attempt to conceal her activities, she allegedly stored these contacts under false names, including one listed as “Jatt Randhawa”.

Investigators further disclosed that she travelled to Bali, Indonesia, accompanied by one of the suspects, pointing to an international dimension to her alleged collaboration with foreign intelligence.

The case has revealed the existence of a broader spy network embedded across Haryana and Punjab. With Malhotra's arrest, the total number of individuals taken into custody now stands at six. The group is suspected of being involved in the collection and transmission of sensitive material, as well as managing financial and logistical support channels to operatives across the border.

Authorities also flagged the use of social media in the operation. While Malhotra publicly presented herself as a travel vlogger, her content, police say, subtly pushed favourable narratives about Pakistan, potentially forming part of a larger influence campaign targeting Indian audiences.

Malhotra remains in custody as investigators widen the scope of the probe, with more arrests expected in the coming days. Forensics teams are currently examining her digital devices for further evidence.