4 August 2025,
Monday
4 August 2025,
Monday
Travel blogger and YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra from Haryana has been arrested on charges of anti-national activities and alleged links with Pakistan. Six individuals have been arrested in this case so far, connected to various parts of Haryana and Punjab.
Jyoti Malhotra runs a YouTube channel called ‘Travel with Jo’.
Allegations suggest that Jyoti visited Pakistan in 2023 after obtaining a visa through the Pakistan High Commission. There, she allegedly developed close ties with a Pakistan High Commission employee named Danish. Through Danish, she is further alleged to have been introduced to other agents of the Pakistani intelligence agency, Ali Ahsan and Shakir.
Intelligence agencies claim that Jyoti maintained contact with Pakistani agents even after returning to India. Furthermore, she allegedly shared sensitive information related to India with these agents through various means.
According to media reports, Jyoti was placed under surveillance by intelligence agencies after her return from Pakistan. However, investigations into the YouTuber's online activities, foreign travels, and contacts had been ongoing for some time. Following the discovery of evidence, YouTuber Jyoti was arrested.
Following her arrest, Jyoti is being interrogated. Authorities are attempting to ascertain the identities of other individuals involved in her network. A case has been registered against Jyoti Malhotra under sections 152 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. The Economic Offences Wing, Hisar, has now been assigned the investigation.
It is noteworthy that YouTuber Jyoti is not the first individual to be allegedly ensnared by Pakistan's intelligence agency. A woman from Punjab, Gazala, was allegedly used to transfer funds to sources. Gazala is a resident of Malerkotla, Punjab.
On May 13th, the Indian government declared Danish persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country.
