New Delhi: Haryana-based Travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, also known online as Jyoti Rani, was arrested on Saturday on charges of espionage for allegedly leaking sensitive military information to Pakistan.
The 33-year-old influencer has been booked along with five others under spying-related charges. Authorities allege she provided key details about Indian Army movements and locations to Pakistani intelligence agents, NDTV reported. Investigations have linked her to a wider network operating across Haryana and Punjab.
Before her arrest, Malhotra had sparked controversy over her conduct during a trip to China. In 2024, she uploaded several travel vlogs that many viewers found disrespectful. She faced strong criticism for her behaviour, which was labeled “rude” and “insensitive” to local customs, and she was eventually banned from the country.
During that visit, she allegedly met Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistan High Commission official in Delhi, who later introduced her to Pakistani intelligence personnel. After returning to India, she continued to stay in contact with them. During a second visit, she was hosted by Rahim’s associate, Ali Ahwan.
One video shows Jyoti Malhotra arriving at the Pakistan High Commission, where she is greeted by Danish and escorted inside for an event. The YouTuber can be heard saying, “I’m so happy to see him and the arrangements,” referring to the iftar gathering.
Inside the High Commission, Danish introduces her to the guests, saying, “She is a YouTuber and vlogger. Her name is Jyoti, and her channel is called *Travel with Jo*. She has over 100,000 subscribers.”
Panning across the venue, Malhotra says in the video, “Just look at the arrangements at the embassy this time — I’m mesmerised. I’m super duper excited!”
Later in the clip, she is again seen with Danish, who introduces his wife. The three then discuss Pakistan’s National Day celebrations.
At the event, Malhotra also interacts with Indian attendees, asking if they’ve visited Pakistan and what their experiences were like. She remarks, “Even I want to go to Pakistan.”
The 15-minute video ends with Danish thanking her for joining the event.
Malhotra, who has 3.7 lakh subscribers on YouTube and 1.3 lakh Instagram followers, was arrested on Saturday and is currently under five-day police remand.
In 2024, Malhotra visited Kashmir, posting content from Dal Lake and the Srinagar-Banihal rail line. NDTV quoting 0fficials allege that she became romantically involved with one of the handlers and even travelled with him to Bali, Indonesia.
On May 13, Danish was expelled from India and declared persona non grata for espionage.
