Significant breach of national security was uncovered as Haryana Police arrested YouTuber and travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra

On May 17, 2025, a significant breach of national security was uncovered as Haryana Police arrested YouTuber and travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra, also known as Jyoti Rani, in Hisar. She was apprehended on charges of espionage, accused of transmitting sensitive Indian military information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This arrest is part of a broader investigation into a suspected espionage network operating across northern India.

Jyoti Malhotra, 33, managed the YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” boasting over 377,000 subscribers. Her content primarily featured travel vlogs and lifestyle videos. However, authorities allege that she exploited her platform to gather and disseminate confidential information to Pakistani intelligence operatives.

Investigations reveal that Malhotra visited Pakistan twice in 2023. During her initial visit, she reportedly met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Danish is believed to have introduced her to several Pakistani intelligence operatives. Subsequently, she maintained communication with these operatives through encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.

Malhotra allegedly used encrypted applications to share sensitive information. She saved the contact of one operative, Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, under the pseudonym “Jatt Randhawa” to conceal their interactions.

Authorities discovered that Malhotra obtained her Pakistani visa through commission agents. Her travel history and interactions with Pakistani officials are under scrutiny to determine the extent of information she may have shared.

Malhotra has been charged under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following her arrest, she was placed under a five-day police remand. The Economic Offences Wing is currently handling the investigation.

Malhotra’s arrest is part of a larger crackdown, with six individuals from Haryana and Punjab apprehended for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence. The network reportedly includes agents, financial conduits, and informants.

In response to the revelations, the Indian government declared Ehsan-ur-Rahim persona non grata, leading to his expulsion from the country on May 13, 2025. This action underscores the severity with which the government views the breach.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining digital evidence and communication records to uncover the full extent of the espionage activities. Further arrests and revelations are anticipated as the probe continues.

This case highlights the vulnerabilities posed by digital platforms and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding national security. The misuse of social media by individuals for espionage purposes presents a growing challenge for security agencies.

Authorities urge citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities, especially those involving interactions with foreign entities or unusual travel patterns. Public awareness is crucial in preventing similar breaches in the future.

The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats to national security and the need for robust counterintelligence measures. As digital communication becomes increasingly pervasive, the potential for its exploitation by hostile entities grows, necessitating enhanced security protocols and public cooperation.