A fresh wave of evidence has emerged against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was recently arrested on charges of espionage. The ongoing multi-agency investigation has revealed that Malhotra allegedly maintained secret communications with Pakistani agents using encrypted platforms and multiple digital devices. Despite her social media presence, officials say her online activity was merely a cover for covert interactions. Authorities are now closely examining her digital footprint, which includes encrypted chats and contacts saved under aliases. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over parts of the investigation as more details come to light.
Encrypted Communications and Hidden Contacts
According to police sources, Malhotra used popular encrypted messaging apps like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp to communicate with Pakistani operatives while attempting to conceal these interactions. Haryana police, with assistance from the NIA, have found digital evidence confirming these covert communications. Investigators have also uncovered that her primary contact was Danish, an official from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, who was declared persona non grata by India earlier this month. Further, Malhotra reportedly saved contact numbers of other Pakistani agents under false names to evade detection.
Connections Through Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Staff
The probe has also highlighted the involvement of Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (SGMC), who allegedly facilitated Malhotra’s initial introduction to Danish. Singh reportedly helped her obtain Pakistani visas and accompanied her on trips to Pakistan as part of Sikh pilgrimage groups, known as jathas, visiting sacred sites such as Nankana Sahib. Authorities have seized Singh’s digital devices for forensic examination. The investigation indicates that since her first visit in 2023, Malhotra maintained contact with multiple Pakistani nationals who provided her with security cover and arranged meetings with intelligence officials during her stay in Pakistan.
Amid growing concerns, the police suspect that Malhotra might have been involved in Pakistan’s propaganda efforts during heightened tensions between the two countries. Despite the serious allegations, she reportedly shows no remorse and has defended her actions as exercising freedom of speech. Meanwhile, Malhotra’s father, Harish Malhotra, has expressed surprise over her trips to Pakistan, claiming he was unaware of them and stating that she usually told him she was traveling only to Delhi.
