Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested for Espionage on Behalf of Pakistan
Haryana: Jyoti Rani Malhotra, a YouTuber from Haryana, has been arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan. Malhotra, who ran a YouTube channel focused on travel, maintained contact with Pakistani intelligence agencies both during and after a trip to Pakistan in 2023. This case has raised concerns among security agencies, particularly given the recent apprehension of several Pakistani spies in Punjab and Haryana.
Malhotra's Trip to Pakistan and Contacts
Jyoti Malhotra shared travel-related content through her YouTube channel, 'Travel with Jo'. In 2023, she obtained a visa to visit Pakistan and visited the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in the process. There, she met Danish, alias Ahsan-ur-Rehim, an official at the High Commission. She obtained his mobile number and maintained regular contact with him thereafter.
While in Pakistan, Malhotra met Ali Ahwan, who arranged her travel and accommodation. She was also introduced to Pakistani security agency officials, including officers named Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. To avoid suspicion, Malhotra saved Shakir's number under a different name in her phone.
Exchange of Sensitive Information
Even after returning from Pakistan, Jyoti Malhotra continued to communicate with Pakistani officials through WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, and other social media platforms. She engaged in the exchange of anti-national information, posing a threat to India's security.
Malhotra also met repeatedly with Danish, the Pakistan High Commission official in Delhi. Investigations revealed her involvement with Pakistani intelligence agencies and activities endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the nation.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested and is undergoing intensive interrogation. Investigations are also ongoing into other Pakistani spies apprehended in Punjab and Haryana. Security agencies are taking this matter seriously and conducting a thorough investigation into the espionage charges.
