In a chilling development that highlights deepening security concerns, YouTuber and travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested for alleged espionage after it was discovered that she knowingly maintained contact with operatives from Pakistan’s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
According to senior police officials, forensic analysis of three mobile phones belonging to Malhotra has revealed damning digital evidence, including 12 terabytes of data consisting of chat logs, video footage, call records, and financial transactions. These allegedly link her to four Pakistani intelligence agents.
“She was not only in touch with these individuals but was fully aware of their identities and the positions they held in Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus,” said a senior police official, speaking to Hindustan Times. Officials added that Malhotra received “special treatment” during her visits to Pakistan and was “directly communicating with ISI officer Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish.”
Confession and Charges
The 33-year-old vlogger reportedly admitted during interrogation that she had been in contact with Rahim, along with other Pakistani individuals and YouTube influencers. Her gadgets — three phones and a laptop — as well as two mobile phones belonging to Harkirat Singh, the IT in-charge of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), have been sent for detailed forensic examination.
“She confessed to direct communication with Danish and was actively involved in digital interactions that raise red flags,” said police spokesperson Vikas Kumar.
Charged Under Official Secrets Act
Malhotra has been charged under the Official Secrets Act and a section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for acts that jeopardize India’s unity, sovereignty, and integrity. Her arrest took place on May 15, just a week after India conducted retaliatory airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Nationwide Crackdown
Malhotra is one of 12 individuals arrested in an ongoing multi-state investigation spanning Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The arrests are part of a sweeping crackdown on suspected espionage networks operating within India amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.
Security agencies continue to analyze the recovered data to determine the extent of the breach and uncover additional potential links to foreign intelligence networks.
Sources By Agencies
