Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Accused of Contacting Pakistani Agencies; Instagram Suspended, YouTube Channel Faces Block
Jyoti Malhotra Arrested: Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber from Hisar, Haryana, ran a YouTube channel named "Travel With JO," known for travel vlogs and social media content. However, she is now implicated in serious charges of sedition and espionage.
Contact with Pakistani Official
According to the FIR, in 2023, Jyoti visited the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for a visa application, where she met Ehsan-ur-Rehim, alias Danish, an official stationed there. Subsequent communication continued between them. Police allege that Jyoti made two trips to Pakistan and, through Danish, met individuals connected to Pakistani intelligence agencies.
Connection to Pulwama Terrorist Attack?
Tensions between India and Pakistan were high during a terrorist attack in Pulwama, Kashmir, on April 22nd. Police state that Jyoti was in contact with the Pakistan High Commission official during this time, leading to her investigation for suspicious activity.
Social Media Impact: Instagram Suspended
Following these serious allegations, Jyoti Malhotra's Instagram account has been suspended. Police sources suggest her YouTube channel may also be blocked soon. This action is seen as reflecting the government's strict policy on social media misuse and national security concerns.
Police Investigation: What Information is Being Scrutinized?
Police are currently conducting a forensic examination of Jyoti's electronic devices—laptops, mobiles, etc.—along with scrutinizing her bank transactions, travel history, and social media chats. The investigation aims to determine the nature of information shared with Pakistani agencies.
Foreign Trips and Suspicious Motives
Police report that Jyoti visited Pakistan twice and China once. A video shows her applying for a Chinese visa. The question arises: were these trips solely for travel, or was there a deeper purpose? Police are focusing on this aspect.
Other YouTubers Under Suspicion
Jyoti was not alone. Police discovered she was in contact with other social media influencers potentially linked to a Pakistani intelligence network. Odisha police have also launched an investigation because Jyoti visited Puri in September 2024 and met a local YouTuber there.
Previously Under Surveillance by Intelligence Agencies
According to SP Shashank Sawan, Jyoti was under surveillance by intelligence agencies. He stated that Malhotra used WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to contact foreign agents and shared sensitive information.
Court and Police Custody
On May 16th, Jyoti was arrested and presented in court, subsequently remanded to 5 days of police custody. Charges have been filed against her under the Official Secrets Act and serious sections of the Indian Penal Code.
SP Sawan says this represents digital and psychological warfare, where enemy countries attempt to manipulate narratives against India using social media influencers. This poses a direct threat to national unity and security.
