New Delhi: Indian authorities busted an espionage racket on Saturday. A Haryana-based YouTuber was among six Indian nationals arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Jyoti Malhotra, who ran the YouTube channel "Travel with Jo", visited Pakistan in 2023, reported India Today.
She reportedly acquired a visa through commission agents. Malhotra allegedly established close ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish. Notably, Danish was a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and was declared persona non grata by the Centre after the Pahalgam terror attack. He was expelled on May 13, 2025,
As per the India Today report, Danish introduced Jyoti to multiple Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). She reportedly remained in touch with these operatives, including Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. Malhotra saved Shanaz's number as “Jatt Randhawa" in her mobile.
Jyoti Malhotra's YouTube Visit On Her Pakistan Visit:
As per the report, she shared sensitive information about Indian locations with the PIOs. She even reportedly had an intimate relationship with a PIO. Malhotra travelled to Bali, Indonesia, with that PIO.
Notably, in her YouTube videos, she portrayed a positive image of Pakistan. The YouTuber was in constant touch with Danish during his stay in New Delhi.
The investigators also arrested a woman, named Guzala, from Punjab's Malerkotla, reported India Today.. She is a 32-year-old widow. In February this year, Guzala also visited the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to apply for a visa. She also remained in continuous touch with Danish.
As per the report, Danish promised Guzala to marry her. He also allegedly sent her money several times. Danish also facilitated visas for Guzala nd her friend Banu Nasreena. Notably, Nasreen is also a widow from Malerkotla.
Another Malerkotla man was also arrested in connection with the espionage case. Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Haryana student was also arrested for allegedly passing on sensitive military details to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He reportedly came in contact with ISI during his pilgrimage to Pakistan. Another man, named Arman, was also taken into custody for supplying Indian SIMs and transferring funds. Arman is a resident of Hatryana's Nuh.
