Six Arrested Over Spying Activities For Pakistan, Including Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra (Image: Instagram/travelwithjo1)
Indian authorities have arrested six individuals, including a popular Haryana-based travel YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, in a major crackdown on an alleged espionage network linked to Pakistan.
The accused have been charged with passing on sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence agents and operating under emotional, financial, and romantic manipulation.
Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” reportedly visited Pakistan in 2023 using a visa facilitated by commission agents.
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During her trip, she formed close ties with Pakistani national Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, as per reports.
Danish, who was recently expelled and declared persona non grata by India on May 13, 2025, is believed to have introduced Malhotra to several Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).
Investigators say Malhotra stayed in touch with these operatives via encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.
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One operative, Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, was saved in her contacts as “Jatt Randhawa.” Authorities allege that Malhotra shared sensitive data regarding Indian locations, promoted a favourable image of Pakistan on social media, and even engaged in an intimate relationship with one PIO. The two are said to have travelled together to Bali, Indonesia.
Jyoti Malhotra has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. A written confession has been obtained, and the case is now being handled by the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar.
The espionage ring includes individuals from both Haryana and Punjab. Among them is Guzala, a 32-year-old widow from Malerkotla, Punjab, who developed a romantic relationship with Danish after meeting him at the Pakistan High Commission while applying for a visa.
Danish allegedly lured her with promises of marriage and began sending her money via digital payment platforms. She later funnelled those funds to various contacts at his instruction.
Another accused, Yameen Mohammad of Malerkotla, played a supporting role in financial transactions and visa operations.
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Meanwhile, Devinder Singh Dhillon, a Sikh student from Kaithal, Haryana, was reportedly recruited during a religious pilgrimage to Pakistan. He allegedly sent videos of the Patiala cantonment to Pakistani handlers.
Also arrested is Arman from Nuh, Haryana, who is believed to have provided Indian SIM cards, transferred funds, and visited the Defence Expo 2025 on the directives of Pakistani intelligence.
All accused have confessed to their roles, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the network.
(With inputs from agencies)
