Jyoti Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel 'Travel with JO' with over 380K subscribers, now stands in the spotlight as the main suspect in one of the largest espionage investigations. Allegedly, she was working for Pakistan's intelligence agency.
Origin of the Espionage
During a 2023 visit to Pakistan, Jyoti met Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias 'Danish' at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Their relationship led her into Pakistan's intelligence network. Another Pakistani agent, 'Shakir', was saved as 'Jatt Randhava' on Jyoti's phone. These connections were maintained via WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.
Source: aajtak
Accusations Faced by Jyoti
Promoting a positive image of Pakistan on social media, Sharing sensitive Indian location details, Regular interactions with Pakistani agents, Traveling to Bali (Indonesia) with a Pakistani agent
Attempts were made to link her to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, but officials denied direct involvement. However, it surfaced that Jyoti traveled to Pakistan in 2023, 2024, and March 2025.
Gurdwara Employee's Role in Visa Acquisition
Investigations revealed that Harkirat Singh, an employee of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, aided Jyoti twice with visa acquisition, accompanying her with a religious group to Pakistan. His mobile phone has been seized for forensic examination. Cases are filed under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code and sections of the Official Secrets Act. The Economic Offenses Wing in Hisar is carrying out the investigation.
Source: aajtak
Unveiling Network Layers in Punjab
It's uncovered that Jyoti's scandal isn't isolated. Pakistani agencies are targeting emotionally or financially vulnerable Indian women. Similar ensnarement happened to Gujwala, a 32-year-old widow from Malerkotla, Punjab. Danish lured her with marriage and emotional support, maintaining contact via Telegram.
Monetary Transactions Exposed
Danish transferred funds to Gujwala: ₹10,000 via PhonePe, ₹20,000 via GPay, and instructed additional transfers to others
Gujwala's friend Banu Nasrina also engaged with Danish, and both face probing.
Arrests Across Multiple States
On May 13, Danish was expelled from India as 'persona non grata'. So far, 11 arrests occurred across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The extensive network investigation involves NIA, IB, and cybercrime units working collaboratively.
Jyoti Malhotra from Hisar now faces charges under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Her confession is documented, with the case under the Hisar Economic Offenses Branch's jurisdiction.
