NEW DELHI: Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber known for her cross-border travel content, is now at the centre of a widening espionage investigation. Arrested on April 17 by Haryana Police, Malhotra is accused of spying for Pakistan—a case that has drawn national attention and sparked concerns over digital-era intelligence operations.
Among the key pieces of evidence is a handwritten diary recovered during police searches. In it, Malhotra described her travels in Pakistan in glowing terms, painting what investigators describe as a “rosy picture” of the country.
Malhotra, who operated under the channel Travel with Joe, allegedly used misleading aliases for her Pakistani contacts, including saving phone numbers under names like “Jatt Randhawa.” Police believe this wasn’t merely a security measure but part of a broader pattern indicating her deeper engagement with Pakistani intelligence services.
Investigators claim her online activities and communication trail show a transition from travel vlogger to an individual allegedly recruited and groomed to share sensitive information. A graduate from Hisar and daughter of a retired Haryana power department official, Malhotra is believed to have been in regular contact with at least three Pakistani operatives.
Her initial connection was reportedly with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission official based in Delhi. The two allegedly met at an event in 2023. Danish is said to have facilitated her travel to Pakistan, arranged accommodation in Lahore, and introduced her to other operatives, including individuals identified as Shakir and Rana Shahbaz.
Authorities claim that a now-expelled Pakistani official—removed from India on May 13 for espionage—shared a close personal relationship with Malhotra. The pair are believed to have travelled together to Bali.
Investigators say Malhotra used encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to communicate with her handlers, often concealing their identities through pseudonyms. She has reportedly admitted to sharing sensitive information regarding Indian locations and events, in violation of the Official Secrets Act.
Her arrest came shortly after a trip to Delhi on May 6, during which she allegedly met Danish once more. This meeting took place just a day before “Operation Sindoor,” a major security drill conducted across northern India—raising further red flags among officials.
Malhotra is one of four individuals arrested recently in espionage-related cases in Haryana. Others include Panipat-based security guard Nauman Elahi, Kaithal resident Devender Singh Dhillon, and Arman from Nuh’s Rajaka village. Arman allegedly procured Indian SIM cards in his name and handed them over to Pakistani agents. He also attended a defence expo while posing as a jobseeker and is accused of sharing restricted material.
Malhotra’s social media presence is now under investigation. Her YouTube channel, with 3.2 lakh subscribers, and Instagram account, with over 13 lakh followers, contain numerous videos from her trips to Pakistan. One of her pinned posts refers to Lahore as “the cultural heart of Pakistan”—a sentiment officials allege subtly promoted pro-Pakistan narratives.
“This is modern-day warfare,” said Hisar Superintendent of Police, Shashank Sawan, highlighting how digital platforms can be used to shape perception while serving strategic interests.
Malhotra’s claim that she visited Pakistan in 2023 as part of a “delegation” has also drawn scrutiny. During her second trip, reportedly on Danish’s advice, she is believed to have met Ali Ahsan—an individual said to be directly linked to Pakistani intelligence. Authorities are now analysing her devices and financial records to determine if her foreign trips were sponsored through covert channels.
The investigation continues to unfold, as officials attempt to piece together how a travel influencer may have become a conduit for intelligence gathering.
