Jyoti Malhotra Espionage Case: Pakistani Agents' Numbers Saved As Aliases, Encrypted Chats Uncovered; NIA Likely To Take Over Probe

New digital evidence has been found in the ongoing espionage investigation against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, suggesting deep links with multiple Pakistani intelligence operatives.

The new findings, uncovered by a multi-agency probe, indicate that Malhotra used encrypted social media platforms and maintained multiple devices to mask her covert communications. The case, currently handled by Haryana Police, is expected to be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

What Did the Probe Reveal?

Sources told CNN-News18 that Malhotra used apps like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp to stay in touch with Pakistani agents while keeping her activities under wraps. Officials allege that her content creation on social media served merely as a cover for espionage-related communication.

“She maintained multiple digital devices and used encrypted platforms to regularly keep in touch with Pakistani agents. Digital evidence to this effect has been found," an official source told CNN-News18.

According to the police, Malhotra had been in contact with several Pakistani nationals since her first visit to Pakistan in 2023. Her primary handler was allegedly Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, who was declared persona non grata by the Indian government on May 13.

Malhotra is said to have stored agents’ numbers under false names. For instance, one agent, Shakir, was saved in her contacts as "Jat Randhawa." Other Pakistani contacts went by the aliases Ali Ahwan and Rana Shahbaz. Investigators believe she met several intelligence operatives during her visits across the border, aided by a local facilitator.

Haryana SGMC Employee and Propaganda Link Under Lens

Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (SGMC), is also under investigation. Police claim he played a key role in facilitating Malhotra’s travel to Pakistan by helping her secure visas and join Sikh jathas on pilgrimage routes. His electronic devices have been seized for forensic analysis.

Police suspect Malhotra’s role extended to aiding Pakistan’s psychological and information warfare. During the recent Operation Sindoor, Indian agencies claim Pakistan activated several assets to gather defence-related information. Malhotra, they say, showed "no remorse" and defended her pro-Pakistan stance during questioning.

“There is no remorse. She says she exercised her right to freedom of speech,” a police officer was quoted as saying by CNN-News18.

Meanwhile, her father Harish Malhotra, who initially defended her travel to Pakistan, has now claimed ignorance, stating, “She used to tell me that she was going to Delhi.”

Published on: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 12:32 PM IST