Jyoti Malhotra Espionage Case: Haryana-Based YouTuber Travelled To Pahalgam, 3 Months Before April 22 Terror Attack, Claim Reports

Chandigarh: A Haryana-based YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, visited Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam three months before the terror attack that took place on April 22 this year. The revelation was made during the investigation into the alleged spying case involving Malhotra. The investigation further revealed that the Haryana-based YouTuber was honey-trapped by a Pakistani High Commission employee, identified as Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, reported News18.

Danish is believed to have connections with Pakistan's Inter- Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). ON Saturday, May 17, Malhotra was arrested on the charges of spying for Pakistan.

Former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir Shesh Paul Vaid, in his X post, said, "Is it a coincidence that u tuber Jyoti Malhotra who was honey trapped by Danish ,a Pakistani High Commission employee ( most probably ISI person) visited Pahalgam in January 2025? She was reportedly passing on sensitive information to ISI handlers."

"Our intelligence services normally keep under surveillance those frequently visiting the countries or High Commissions of anemy nations like Pakistan, China and now Bangladesh," (sic) he added.

The Investigation revealed that Jyoti had visited Pakistan multiple times and China once. She was reportedly in regular contact with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Danish allegedly acted as her handler, introducing her to other PIOs, including Shakir and Rana Shahbaz.

On Sunday, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hisar Shashank Kumar Sawan told reporters that Pakistani intelligence operatives were developing Malhotra as an asset.

"They were developing her (Jyoti Malhotra) as an asset. She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in touch with the PIOs... She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips... She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the investigation is on to establish linkages, if there are any," he said.

"We are also investigating, as we have leads that other people were also involved with her," Sawan added. Malhotra was sent to a five-day police remand on Sunday.

In 2023, Jyoti travelled to Pakistan twice, facilitated by Ali Ehwan, who arranged her stay. She also visited Bali, Indonesia, with one of the PIOs.

Malhotra, a travel blogger, was taken into custody on Saturday after intelligence inputs revealed her suspected links with Pakistan’s intelligence network. She runs a YouTube channel, "Travel With Jo".

Notably, on May 13, Danish was expelled by India for allegedly being involved in spying activities.

On Saturday, apart from Malhotra, five other people were also arrested over charges of spying for Pakistan.

Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025, 10:22 AM IST