YouTuber and travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, who was recently arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, has been found to have knowingly maintained contact with them. However, the Hisar Police clarified that no evidence has emerged linking her to any terrorist activity or known terrorist organizations. The authorities stated that although her actions raised concerns, there is currently no legal proof that she was involved in any national security threat beyond unauthorized communication.
Known Contact With Intelligence Operatives
According to Hisar Superintendent of Police, Jyoti Malhotra continued engaging with individuals identified as Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) even after becoming aware of their identity. She reportedly had no knowledge about India’s armed forces or their operations. Police also clarified that no material indicating intentions to convert religion or marry a Pakistani official was recovered during the investigation.
Officials revealed that Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest on May 16 followed charges under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She was remanded to police custody for five days, during which time she was interrogated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), though her custody remained with Hisar Police. Police denied recovering any diary that had circulated in the public domain, saying they were not in possession of any such document.
Connections Through a Visa Agent
The investigation also shed light on Jyoti Malhotra’s connection with Harkirat Singh, a visa agent arrested earlier on May 18. Devices including Jyoti Malhotra’s three mobile phones, a laptop, and Singh’s two mobile phones have been sent for forensic analysis. Police disclosed that Jyoti Malhotra came into contact with a Pakistani high commission official named Danish between November 2023 and March 2024. Danish, who was expelled from India on May 13, is alleged to have been grooming her as an asset. Her introduction to Danish reportedly occurred at the Pakistan High Commission through Singh during her visa application process.
Police noted that Jyoti Malhotra was also in touch with other YouTube influencers, raising questions about a broader network. However, in the absence of conclusive links to terrorist plots or organizations, the case remains focused on her unlawful communication with foreign operatives.
