Who is Jyoti Malhotra?

Jyoti Malhotra, a 34-year-old travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, operated the YouTube channel "Travel with Jo," amassing over 3.77 lakh subscribers

Lavish Lifestyle and Foreign Travels

Her social media showcased stays in luxury hotels and travels to countries like Pakistan, China, and Indonesia, raising questions about her funding sources.

Alleged Espionage Activities

Arrested on May 16, 2025, Jyoti is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives via encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Connections with Pakistani Officials

Investigations revealed her association with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, a Pakistani High Commission official, whom she met during a 2023 visit to Pakistan.

Visits to Sensitive Indian Locations

Authorities are scrutinizing her frequent visits to sensitive areas in Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi and Pahalgam, prior to the April 22 terror attack.

Digital Footprint and Evidence

Her vlogs and social media posts often portrayed Pakistan positively. She allegedly saved Pakistani contacts under aliases like "Jatt Randhawa" to conceal their identities.

Current Status and Investigations

Jyoti is currently in police custody, with her digital devices seized for forensic analysis. The NIA and IB are probing her alleged espionage activities.

Public Reaction and Impact

Her arrest has sparked debates on national security and the potential misuse of social media by influencers. Authorities are now monitoring other content creators for similar activities.