YouTuber Detained on Suspicion of Espionage for Pakistan
Police in India have detained a local YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, on allegations of espionage for Pakistan. The travel influencer, hailing from Haryana, reportedly made multiple trips to Pakistan, with her most recent visit occurring in March 2025. Authorities claim she maintained contact with a Pakistani High Commission official, who was expelled from India earlier this month, raising serious concerns about her activities.
Allegations of Espionage
Jyoti Malhotra, known for her travel content on social media, is under investigation for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The Haryana police assert that she was in communication with Pakistani intelligence operatives and had continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen. This scrutiny intensified following the expulsion of Ahsan-ur-Rahim, a Pakistani High Commission official, who was asked to leave India due to activities deemed inconsistent with his diplomatic status. Malhotra’s father has publicly denied the allegations, asserting that she traveled to Pakistan with the necessary permissions.
The police are also looking into her financial means to support her extensive travels, which included visits to several countries such as Bangladesh, China, and Thailand. They question how her travel expenses align with her known income sources. Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan indicated that they are exploring potential connections with other individuals who may have collaborated with Malhotra, although she reportedly does not have direct access to military or defense information.
Social Media Presence and Activities
Malhotra has cultivated a significant online presence, boasting 377,000 subscribers on YouTube and 133,000 followers on Instagram. She describes herself as a “modern girl with old ideas” and has shared various travel experiences, including visits to Hindu and Sikh temples in Pakistan. Her last video, uploaded in March, featured her attending a Ramadan dinner at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. The police’s investigation into her activities raises questions about the nature of her travels and the sponsorship behind them.
The authorities have noted that her interactions with other YouTube influencers and her sponsored trips to Pakistan are under scrutiny. The police believe her activities may be linked to broader security concerns, particularly following a recent militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. This incident heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a series of retaliatory actions and diplomatic expulsions.
Context of Rising Tensions
Malhotra’s arrest occurs amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. On May 7, India conducted strikes against what it termed “terror infrastructure” in Pakistan, following the deadly attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the incident, but the situation has prompted both nations to engage in military posturing. After several days of conflict, a ceasefire was announced on May 10, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The backdrop of this arrest highlights the ongoing complexities in India-Pakistan relations, where allegations of espionage are not uncommon. Both countries have a history of accusing each other of spying, often leading to diplomatic strains and heightened security measures. As the investigation into Malhotra continues, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the already fragile relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
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