Jyoti Malhotra
Jyoti Malhotra | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | YouTuber, travel vlogger |
| Years active | 2019–2025 |
| Known for | YouTube channel Travel with JO; arrested in 2025 for alleged espionage |
| Criminal charge | Alleged espionage under the Official Secrets Act (India) |
| Criminal status | In police custody (as of May 2025) |
| Website | Travel with JO on YouTube |
Jyoti Malhotra is an Indian travel vlogger and social media influencer who was arrested in May 2025 on charges of espionage. She is accused of passing sensitive information to operatives of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).[1] Her arrest drew widespread media coverage due to the use of social media platforms in alleged intelligence operations and its broader national security implications.[2][3]
Background
[edit]Malhotra is based in Hisar, Haryana, and is known for her travel content published under the YouTube channel Travel with JO, which had over 380,000 subscribers as of 2025. She also had a following of more than 130,000 on Instagram.[4] Her travel history includes trips to Pakistan, Bhutan, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and China.
Espionage Allegations
[edit]In 2023, Malhotra reportedly visited the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for a visa, where she met a staffer identified as an ISI agent using the alias "Danish."[5] [6]According to investigators, she maintained encrypted communications with multiple alleged intelligence operatives and visited Pakistan at least three times between 2023 and 2025. Reports also indicate she traveled to Bali with one of her Pakistani contacts.[7]
She is alleged to have leaked non-military but sensitive information during the period surrounding Operation Sindoor, which was launched after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.[8][9]
Investigation
[edit]Malhotra was arrested in May 2025 and booked under the Official Secrets Act (India) and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Her custody has been extended multiple times by courts in Haryana to allow forensic examination of her electronic devices and financial records.[10] Authorities have stated that while she admitted to being in contact with ISI-linked individuals, no evidence has surfaced indicating she accessed military secrets or had links to terrorist organizations.[11][12]
Public Reaction
[edit]The case has received national media attention and reignited discussions about honey trapping, the vulnerability of influencers, and cybersecurity in India. Law enforcement agencies have cautioned against sensationalism and confirmed that the case does not involve any military or classified defense data.[13][14]
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Jyoti Malhotra: Indian YouTuber arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan". www.bbc.com. 2025-05-19. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and Pakistan 'spy network'". India Today. 19 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ "'Pakistan is….': 'Spy' YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's diary entry after her 10-day Pak visit goes viral". Financialexpress. 2025-05-21. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "The story of Jyoti Malhotra: Hisar vlogger turned alleged ISI asset". Indian Express. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ "How ISI agent Danish tried to recruit Jyoti Malhotra". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ "'Tasked with recruiting influencers': How YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra became first catch in ISI agent Danish's spy hunt". The Times of India. 2025-05-23. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Explained: Jyoti Malhotra, social media, and espionage risks". Firstpost. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ "Jyoti Malhotra leaked blackout details to ISI". Financial Express. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ ""Get Me Married": The Conversation Between 'Spy' YouTuber And ISI Handler". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Spy YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's custody extended by 4 days". NDTV. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ "Not a 'super spy': No evidence of military leaks in Jyoti Malhotra case, say police". Financial Express. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ "Arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was being developed as Pak asset: Cops". India Today. 2025-05-18. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Police clarify: Jyoti Malhotra not involved in high-grade espionage". India Today. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ "Jyoti Malhotra - YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra arrested for spying; was being developed as Pakistan asset: Police - BusinessToday". Business Today. 2025-05-19. Retrieved 2025-05-24.