Haryana police have arrested travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra on charges of espionage, alleging she was cultivated by Pakistani intelligence operatives to gather and transmit sensitive military information. The arrest, part of a broader investigation into a suspected spy ring, has raised concerns about the exploitation of social media influencers for intelligence purposes.
Malhotra, 33, known online as Jyoti Rani, was detained in Hisar and charged under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities claim she maintained consistent contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives, using encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to share information. Her interactions reportedly included a Pakistani officer stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during the four-day military conflict following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Investigations suggest Malhotra traveled to Pakistan in 2023, where she met with individuals linked to Pakistani intelligence. These trips, allegedly sponsored, facilitated her connections with operatives who directed her to collect information on Indian Army movements in Haryana and Punjab. Further inquiries have revealed that she continued to communicate with her handlers even during regional blackouts in northern India, indicating the use of sophisticated methods to circumvent communication disruptions.
The case has prompted scrutiny of other social media influencers with ties to Pakistan. Figures such as Navankur Chaudhary , Deepanshu Sangwan , and Priyankaa Senapati have come under public suspicion due to past collaborations or content referencing Pakistan. While no formal charges have been filed against these individuals, they have publicly distanced themselves from Malhotra and expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Malhotra’s arrest coincides with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Investigations into the attack have linked it to Pakistani-based operatives, with digital evidence pointing to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi. The National Investigation Agency has taken over the case, emphasizing the need for robust counter-terrorism measures.
In response to these developments, the Odisha government announced the establishment of a National Investigation Agency police station in Bhubaneswar, aiming to bolster counter-terrorism preparedness. This move aligns with a broader national effort to enhance security infrastructure amid escalating regional threats.
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