Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra “Visited Pahalgam”, Faces Espionage Charges: New Revelations in Alleged Pakistan Spy Case

The high-profile espionage case involving Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra has taken a dramatic turn, with fresh developments shedding light on her alleged ties to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Malhotra, a popular YouTuber known for her travel and lifestyle content, was arrested on Saturday on charges of allegedly sharing sensitive military information with foreign agents. Authorities now claim she was being groomed as an "asset" by Pakistan’s intelligence network, raising alarms about the vulnerability of social media influencers to foreign espionage.

A Trail of Suspicious Travels

Recent findings in the investigation reveal that Malhotra’s movements prior to her arrest were far from ordinary. Police reports indicate that she visited Pahalgam, a picturesque town in Jammu and Kashmir, in January 2025, three months before the deadly terrorist attack in the region on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. While no direct evidence has yet linked her to the attack, investigators are probing whether her visit was part of reconnaissance efforts orchestrated by her alleged handlers. Shashank Kumar Sawan, Superintendent of Police in Hisar, noted that Malhotra’s presence in Pahalgam is under intense scrutiny, as it coincided with a period of heightened security concerns in the area.

In addition to her Kashmir visit, Malhotra’s travel history includes multiple trips to Pakistan and a lesser-known visit to China. Authorities have confirmed that she traveled to Pakistan at least twice, with records showing she was granted easy access and reportedly traveled in luxury, raising questions about the funding and purpose of these trips. Her visit to China, though less detailed in public reports, is believed to have occurred in the past year, prompting investigators to explore potential connections to a broader intelligence network. These travels, combined with her YouTube platform’s reach, have fuelled suspicions that Malhotra was strategically positioned to gather and relay sensitive information.

The Connection to "Danish"

A pivotal figure in the case is Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani national Malhotra allegedly met at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in 2023. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at Hisar’s Civil Lines police station, this encounter marked the beginning of Malhotra’s alleged descent into espionage. Danish, identified as a person of interest with ties to Pakistani intelligence, reportedly maintained regular contact with Malhotra, both during her visits to Pakistan and through encrypted communication channels. Investigators allege that Danish played a key role in grooming Malhotra, leveraging her status as a social media influencer to extract sensitive information. Posts on X have speculated about a possible "honey trap," with claims that Malhotra developed an intimate relationship with Danish, though police have not officially confirmed these details. What is clear, however, is that Danish facilitated Malhotra’s interactions with other Pakistani operatives, including invitations to high-profile events such as Pakistan’s National Day celebration at the High Commission.

Financial Benefits and Incentives

One of the most damning aspects of the case is the investigation into alleged financial benefits Malhotra received. Police sources indicate that she was provided with substantial monetary incentives, including payments for her trips to Pakistan and access to luxurious accommodations. These financial perks, investigators claim, were part of a deliberate strategy to secure her loyalty and ensure her compliance in sharing sensitive information. While the exact amount of money involved remains undisclosed, authorities have hinted at tracing financial transactions that could solidify the espionage charges. Police also wonder if her personal income could afford the luxury trips she had highlighted in her vlogs. 

Malhotra’s YouTube channel, which boasts thousands of subscribers, may have also served as a cover for her activities. Her videos, often showcasing exotic destinations and cultural experiences, provided a plausible excuse for her frequent international travel. However, investigators are now examining whether some of her content was used to subtly relay coded messages or gather intelligence under the guise of travel vlogging.

The case has sent shockwaves through India’s influencer community, highlighting the potential risks of foreign entities targeting social media personalities. Malhotra’s arrest, alongside five others accused of similar charges, suggests a coordinated effort by Pakistani intelligence to exploit India’s digital landscape. 

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has emphasised the seriousness of the case, stating, “A thorough probe is underway, and strict action will be taken if evidence is found.” The investigation has also uncovered Malhotra’s connections to other YouTube influencers, some of whom were reportedly in contact with the same Pakistani operatives, though their involvement remains under review.