In a startling revelation, Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the travel channel Travel with Jo, has allegedly confessed to Indian authorities that she was in direct contact with officials connected to Pakistan's intelligence network. The 33-year-old, who has approximately 4 lakh subscribers on YouTube, is currently under arrest on charges related to espionage and national security violations.
Sources familiar with interrogation details told India Today that Malhotra admitted to being in regular contact with an official from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, known as Danish, who also went by the alias Ehsar Dar. This connection reportedly began in 2023 when she approached the High Commission to secure a visa for travel to Pakistan.
Danish, who was later expelled by the Indian government on May 13, 2025, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, is believed to have facilitated Malhotra’s subsequent visits to Pakistan. She allegedly traveled across the border three times in the past two years, during which she came into contact with several individuals suspected of being Pakistani intelligence operatives. During her trips to Pakistan, Jyoti reportedly met Ali Hassan, a liaison arranged by Danish, who assisted in her lodging and local travel. Hassan then introduced her to two suspected Pakistani intelligence agents, identified as Shakir and Rana Shahbaz.
To avoid detection, Jyoti is said to have saved Shakir’s number under a pseudonym, “Jatt Radhawa,” in her phone. Investigators believe this was part of a broader effort to mask her communications and connections. Upon returning to India, she continued her contact with the alleged Pakistani agents using encrypted communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat.
Authorities also seized a personal diary belonging to Jyoti during the investigation. Early reports indicate that the diary contained notes written during and after her visits to Pakistan, offering insights into her meetings, travel, and possibly, the nature of the information shared. Sources close to the case suggest that Malhotra’s interactions may have extended beyond casual exchanges and could include sensitive information. The scope of what was shared and the potential national security implications are under active investigation by central intelligence and counter-espionage agencies.
Jyoti Malhotra gained popularity through her YouTube channel, Travel with Jo, which features travel vlogs across India and international destinations. Her arrest has sent shockwaves across social media, where her followers had known her only as an enthusiastic travel content creator.
This case highlights growing concerns among Indian authorities regarding the misuse of digital platforms for covert operations. Officials have noted an increase in the use of social media influencers and YouTubers as soft targets for foreign intelligence operatives looking to exploit their access and online reach. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests or diplomatic actions may follow, depending on the findings. The government is also reviewing diplomatic protocols around visa issuance and interactions with foreign embassy personnel in sensitive cases.
Jyoti Malhotra’s case adds to a rising list of incidents where non-traditional figures including students, businesspersons, and content creators have become entangled in international espionage. It underscores the importance of digital vigilance and robust internal checks, even among those not typically suspected of national security breaches. With the primary suspect in custody, further developments in the case are expected in the coming weeks as authorities trace digital footprints, financial transactions, and cross-border communications.
