Travel YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Accused of Spying for Pakistan
Jyoti Malhotra, a popular travel YouTuber known for her channel ‘Travel with Jo’, has been arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the online community and sparked concerns about the reach of espionage networks.
Early Life and Online Presence
Malhotra, hailing from Hisar, India, cultivated a large following on her ‘Travel with Jo’ channel, boasting over 377,000 subscribers. Her content focused on travel experiences, capturing the beauty and culture of various destinations. Now, her online persona is overshadowed by the serious allegations against her.
The Allegations
According to the Indian police, Malhotra was arrested for allegedly passing sensitive Indian information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. She is accused of meeting with Pakistani operatives, including Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Police claim Malhotra communicated with these operatives through encrypted platforms, suggesting a level of sophistication in her alleged activities.
Visits to Pakistan and Bali
The investigation revealed that Malhotra allegedly visited Pakistan twice in 2023, where she met with operatives like Ali Ehwan, Shakir, and Rana Shahbaz. She even traveled to Bali, Indonesia, with one of the operatives, further deepening the suspicions of her involvement in a larger espionage network.
Espionage Network
Malhotra’s arrest is part of a larger investigation into a suspected espionage network operating across Haryana and Punjab. Authorities have apprehended six individuals, including Malhotra, who are accused of relaying sensitive information and providing logistical and financial support to Pakistani handlers.
Social Media Influence
While presenting herself as a harmless travel blogger, Malhotra is accused of using her large social media following to subtly influence public perception of Pakistan. Investigators believe her Pakistani contacts exploited her credibility and reach to spread their agenda.
India-Pakistan Tensions
Malhotra’s arrest comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The recent attack in J&K’s Pahalgam, which India blames on Pakistan, has further strained relations between the two countries. India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in retaliation, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
