Jammu, May 17: Jyoti Malhotra, a prominent YouTuber with 377,000 subscribers and 132,000 Instagram followers, and a peace activist, was arrested in Hisar, Haryana, alongside others for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Known for her self-proclaimed role as a peace activist, Malhotra is accused of leaking sensitive information that could jeopardize India’s national security.
The Haryana Police have charged her under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following her confession, she was remanded to five days of police custody. The Economic Offences Wing is leading the investigation.
According to the FIR, Malhotra maintained regular contact with her Pakistani handlers through social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She allegedly shared details that could harm India’s security. Her three trips to Pakistan, documented in videos on her YouTube channel and Instagram, raised suspicions.
Police investigations reveal that Malhotra first connected with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, during a 2023 visit. He reportedly introduced her to ISI operatives, including Rana Shahbaz, Shakir, and Ali Ehwan. To evade detection, Malhotra saved their contact details under pseudonyms like “Jatt Randhawa.” She also traveled to Bali and Indonesia with one of the operatives, further deepening her ties.
Malhotra claimed she was part of a delegation visiting Pakistan twice in 2023, but authorities suspect these trips were a cover for espionage activities. The police have identified her as part of a broader network operating in Haryana and Punjab, with six arrests made so far for sharing sensitive information with Pakistan.
While Malhotra portrayed herself as a travel blogger creating content for her YouTube audience, officials allege she used her platform to promote a favorable image of Pakistan, downplaying its role in cross-border terrorism. Her handlers reportedly exploited her large Indian following to spread propaganda. In one video, she is seen referring to a Pakistani woman as “Hindustani Pakistani Behen Behen,” emphasizing camaraderie.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the espionage network and its impact on national security.
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