'Pakistani Intelligence Operatives Were Grooming Her As An Asset': Haryana Police Reveal Shocking Details In YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's Espionage Case

A Hisar-based woman has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, police said on Sunday.

Jyoti Malhotra, a travel blogger, was taken into custody on Saturday after intelligence inputs revealed her suspected links with Pakistan’s intelligence network. During a press conference, Hisar Superintendent of Police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan stated that modern warfare extends beyond borders, with foreign agencies attempting to influence social media influencers to push their agenda.

#WATCH | Jyoti, a resident of Haryana's Hisar, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and being in continuous contact with a Pakistani citizen.

SP Hisar Shashank Kumar Sawan says, "Modern warfare is not only fought on the border. The PIOs are trying to… pic.twitter.com/fFKP6KBSKK

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025

Suspicious Travel & Contacts

Investigations revealed that Jyoti had visited Pakistan multiple times and China once. She was reportedly in regular contact with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), including Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, an employee of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Danish allegedly acted as her handler, introducing her to other PIOs, including Shakir and Rana Shahbaz.

"Her travel patterns did not match her declared income," SP Sawan said. "She visited Pakistan on sponsored trips and was in the country just before the Pahalgam attack. We are probing possible links."

Police Remand & Ongoing Probe

Jyoti has been placed on a five-day police remand as authorities are investigating her financial transactions and digital communications.

#WATCH | Hisar | "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… pic.twitter.com/OD2wD1vzic

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025

"PIOs were developing her as an asset," the SP added. "She was in touch with other YouTube influencers who also had connections with Pakistani operatives. We suspect more individuals may be involved."

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.