Jyoti Malhotra, a popular Indian YouTuber, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan after police claimed she had contact with Pakistani intelligence and made multiple trips to the country. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations, especially after recent military clashes.
YouTuber's Arrest in India Sparks Concerns Over Digital Activity and National Security
YouTuber's Arrest in India Sparks Concerns Over Digital Activity and National Security
A travel influencer from India faces allegations of espionage for Pakistan, raising questions about her online activities and financial sources.
Police in Haryana, India have arrested Jyoti Malhotra, a travel influencer with significant social media presence, on charges of being a spy for Pakistan. The 28-year-old YouTuber, who boasts over 377,000 subscribers, is accused of having communicated with a Pakistani High Commission official, expelled recently from India, as she purportedly visited Pakistan several times, with her last trip occurring in March 2025. Her father has refuted the allegations, asserting that she obtained all necessary permissions to travel.
Malhotra describes herself as a “modern girl with old ideas” on social media and has also visited various countries, including Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia. However, authorities are investigating how she financed her extensive travels, especially in light of her claim that she had a regular income from her digital content creation. Police suggest that her travels might have been funded by external sources.
Authorities allege Malhotra maintained continuous contact with "Pakistani intelligence operatives" and established ties with a Pakistani citizen. Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan revealed an investigation is ongoing, including potential connections to a recent attack in Pahalgam, India, which exacerbated military tensions between India and Pakistan.
The arrest comes on the heels of a military offensive by India targeting what it labels "terror infrastructure" within Pakistan, with both nations reaching a ceasefire soon after violence escalated. As the digital landscape intertwines with international relations, the incident underscores the scrutiny of influencers and digital activists in the context of national security amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
