India Cracks Down on Spying: Social Media Influencer Caught in Pakistan’s Web
Travel Blogger Arrested for Alleged Spying for Pakistan
Travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested in India on charges of spying for Pakistan. The arrest, made by Hisar police in Haryana, comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries following a recent ceasefire agreement.
Inside the Spy Case: How Influencers are Being Used
According to Hisar superintendent of police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan, Malhotra was allegedly recruited by Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) to spread their narrative on social media. Sawan revealed that Pakistan is increasingly using influencers to push their agenda, highlighting a new tactic in modern warfare.
“Modern warfare is not only fought on the border. The PIOs are trying to recruit some social media influencers, and they use that to push their narrative,” Sawan explained.
Malhotra’s Links to Pakistan and the Investigation
Malhotra, who has a substantial following on YouTube, allegedly visited Pakistan multiple times and was in contact with Pakistani operatives, both during and after the recent conflict between the two nations. Her travel history and financial records are currently under scrutiny by the police.
“We are analysing her financial details. During the conflict (Indo-Pak), she was in touch with the PIOs… Her travel details are defying her total income,” Sawan added.
The police are also investigating whether Malhotra was involved with other Indian influencers who were also allegedly in contact with Pakistani operatives. Preliminary investigations suggest she visited Pakistan on sponsored trips and was in the country before the Pahalgam attack, raising concerns about potential links to the incident.
Charges and the Road Ahead
Malhotra has been booked under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act. She has been placed under a five-day police remand.
The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra has sent shockwaves through the Indian social media community, highlighting the growing threat of espionage and the increasing use of social media for subversive purposes.
