 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 18: Many startling revelations are coming to the fore during questioning of the arrested popular YouTuber and a well-known travel vlogger, Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on allegations of espionage for Pakistan.
Authorities claim that she conducted a reconnaissance of the tourist destination Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the devastating terror attack in April 2025, which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead.
Malhotra, 33, a resident of Hisar, Haryana, is accused of gathering sensitive information at the behest of Pakistani intelligence handlers. Investigators suspect that she was being developed as an asset by Pakistani operatives, with whom she remained in touch through encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
According to police reports, Malhotra had traveled to Kashmir multiple times in 2024 and 2025, documenting her experiences through social media posts and videos. Among her uploads were visuals of her journey on the Srinagar-Banihal train, a shikara ride on the famed Dal Lake, and scenic captures of Pahalgam.
Investigators noted that her video titled “My Thoughts on Pahalgam Kashmir: Should We Go to Kashmir Again?” drew their attention as it was uploaded shortly after the April 2025 attack.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Hisar, Shashank Kumar Sawan, stated that authorities are now working to establish direct links between Malhotra’s visit and the deadly incident. "She was in Pakistan prior to the Pahalgam attack. We are investigating whether her travel had any role in the event. We have also received intelligence suggesting that others may have been involved," he said.
Further investigations revealed Malhotra’s close ties with Pakistani intelligence personnel. She had reportedly traveled to Pakistan in 2023 through visa commission agents and was introduced to intelligence operatives at the Pakistan High Commission. Among her key contacts was an individual named Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, who is believed to have facilitated her connections with Pakistan-based handlers. Another Pakistani intelligence agent, Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, was also among her close associates.
Malhotra allegedly stored their phone numbers under misleading names, such as “Jat Randhawa,” to avoid detection.
Authorities suspect that she shared confidential Indian military mov "She was in Pakistan prior to the Pahalgam attack. We are investigating whether her travel had any role in the event. We have also received intelligence suggesting that others may have been involved,"
Beyond her professional engagements, reports suggest Malhotra maintained personal relations with a Pakistani intelligence officer, with whom she had also traveled to Bali, Indonesia. The expenses for her Pakistan trips were reportedly covered by Danish, adding to suspicions that she was being financially supported by external operatives. Officials are currently analyzing her bank records and digital transactions to identify any suspicious financial movements.
Jyoti Malhotra has been charged under sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, along with Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code (BNS).
She has been placed in police custody for five days, following her confession. Authorities have now handed over the case to the Economic Offences Wing of Hisar, which is conducting forensic examinations of her mobile phones and laptops. Investigators are also scrutinizing her financial dealings to determine the depth of her involvement.
Officials have hinted that Malhotra may not have acted alone and are working to identify potential co-conspirators. The intelligence community continues to monitor activities aimed at recruiting social media influencers for propaganda purposes, emphasizing that modern warfare extends beyond physical borders.
The case remains under active investigation, and further revelations are expected in the coming days.
Jyoti Malhotra was part of a larger espionage network spread across Haryana and Punjab. Five others have also been arrested along with her, including Gujala, a widow from Malerkotla in Punjab, and others. Investigative agencies believe that this network was operated by Pakistani intelligence agents, who were using Indian social media influencers for promotion and image-building.
Jyoti Malhotra's arrest has highlighted the misuse of social media influencers and the growing complexity of cross-border espionage networks. Their activities, especially the recce before the Pahalgam attack, were a serious threat to national security. The case has become even more important in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan and after Operation Sindoor. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen whether the full depth of this espionage network and other potential suspects will be unearthed. |
