“Jyoti Malhotra’s Web of Deceit: From China’s Backlash to Pakistan’s Espionage Agenda”
By: Arvind Jadhav
New Delhi: yoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old travel vlogger from Haryana’s Hisar, has been accused of spying for Pakistan. She was arrested on May 16, 2025, by the Haryana Police’s anti-espionage wing for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence officials.
Alleged Links to Pakistani Officials
Malhotra’s troubles began when she visited Pakistan in 2023, where she met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Danish, who was later declared persona non grata and expelled by the Indian government on May 13, 2025, for engaging in espionage-related activities, allegedly provided Malhotra with VIP treatment and protection during her visits. Malhotra reportedly maintained contact with Danish and other Pakistani intelligence officials, sharing information that could harm India’s interests through encrypted communication platforms.
Investigation Underway
The police investigation revealed that Malhotra visited Pakistan twice, once in 2023 and again a few months ago, where she met Pakistani intelligence officials who were introduced to her by Danish. She also attended high-profile parties, including an iftar party hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Authorities are analyzing her financial details, travel history, and digital communications to determine the extent of her involvement in espionage.
Possible Chinese Connections
While there are no concrete evidence of Malhotra’s involvement with Chinese officials in espionage activities, her travel history shows visits to China, among other countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Dubai, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The investigation is probing whether she had any connections with Chinese officials.
Charges and Arrests
Malhotra has been charged under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She is currently in police custody, and the investigation has been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar. At least five other people have been arrested along with Malhotra for allegedly spying on India and providing information to Pakistan’s ISI.
Background
Malhotra, a travel blogger with over 3.2 lakh subscribers on YouTube, had been under surveillance since 2023. Her father claims she was innocent and went to Pakistan with legal approval, accusing the police of implicating her in a false case. However, investigators believe Pakistani officials were using social media influencers like Malhotra to push their narrative, especially during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
