YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra News: Once a popular travel vlogger with over 380,000 subscribers on her channel 'Travel with JO', Jyoti Malhotra has found herself at the center of one of the country's biggest espionage investigations. Accusations point towards her involvement with Pakistan's intelligence agency.
Presented Herself as a Travel Vlogger
Jyoti's Instagram handle, 'travelwithjo1', boasts 132,000 followers. Her profile describes her as a "Nomadic Leo Girl. Wanderer Haryanvi + Punjabi modern girl with old ideas." Known for her digital travel vlogs across exotic destinations, she was recognized for her captivating travel documentation.
Source: aajtak
The Espionage Begins
According to investigating agencies, Jyoti met Danish, an employee at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, during a 2023 visit to Pakistan. Their relationship grew close, and Danish introduced her to the Pakistani intelligence network. She saved another Pakistani agent, Shakir, known as ‘Rana Shahbaz’, in her contacts as ‘Jatt Randhawa’. Jyoti maintained communications with these agents through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.
Allegations Against Jyoti
Enhancing Pakistan's image on social media Sharing sensitive information about Indian locations Maintaining constant contact with Pakistani agents Traveling to Bali (Indonesia) with a Pakistani agent
Efforts were made to link her with the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack; however, officials denied any direct involvement. Notably, Jyoti visited Pakistan in 2023, 2024, and March 2025.
Assistance from Gurudwara Employee
Investigations revealed that Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, helped Jyoti secure visas twice. He accompanied her in religious groups to Pakistan. Harkirat’s mobile has been seized for forensic examination. Charges against Jyoti include sections 152 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3, 4, 5 of the Official Secrets Act. Hisar's Economic Offenses Wing is conducting the investigation.
Source: aajtak
New Layers Unveiled in Espionage Case
The ongoing espionage investigation against Jyoti Malhotra has revealed several shocking details. According to authorities, Jyoti showed no remorse during interrogation, claiming her acts were 'freedom of expression'.
Initial investigations highlighted that Jyoti had no direct access to Indian military secrets, but was being groomed as a ‘digital influencer’ to foster a pro-Pakistani sentiment via social media. These suspicions were reinforced when she posted a video after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, attempting to absolve Pakistan of responsibility.
Network Spreads to Punjab
The investigation indicates Jyoti's case isn't isolated. Pakistani agencies target emotionally or financially vulnerable Indian women. A similar instance involves Guzala, a 32-year-old widow from Malerkotla (Punjab), trapped in a similar web. She met Danish during a visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, where he lured her with promises of marriage and emotional support, maintaining contact via Telegram.
Monetary Transactions
Danish transferred money to Guzala: ₹10,000 via PhonePe ₹20,000 through GPay ₹10,000 with instructions to transfer to others
Guzala’s friend, Banu Nasrina, also linked to Danish, is now under scrutiny.
Arrests Across Multiple States
On May 13, Danish was expelled from India and declared 'persona non grata'. So far, 11 arrests have been made in Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The network's investigation has seen a collaborative effort among NIA, IB, and Cyber Crime Units.
Jyoti Malhotra hails from Hisar. She faces charges under Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Her confession has been recorded, and the case is now under the jurisdiction of Hisar's Economic Offenses Wing.
