Recovered pages from YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s diary shed light on her recent trip to Pakistan, including public interactions, temple appeals, and ties to expelled diplomat Danish—now under NIA scrutiny for espionage.
May 21, 2025: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, known for her channel Travel with Jo and her video content detailing trips to Pakistan, has been arrested on charges of espionage. The 33-year-old Haryana-based content creator is under investigation by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
Authorities say Malhotra was in the process of being “developed as an asset” by Pakistani intelligence operatives. Her arrest on May 16 came alongside a sweep in which 11 others were detained across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for alleged links to a suspected spy network operating in northern India.
Among the evidence being examined are two pages from Malhotra’s personal diary recovered by the Haryana Police. One entry reads, “Today, I have returned to my country, India, after a 10-day trip from Pakistan. During this time, I received a lot of love from the people of Pakistan. Our subscribers and friends also came to meet us.” She describes Pakistan as “crazy and colourful” and writes about her admiration for the hospitality she received.
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One notable request in the diary was directed toward Pakistani authorities: “Protect the temples there and let Indians meet their families from whom they were separated in 1947.”
The investigation has expanded to include a forensic analysis of her laptop and scrutiny of financial records. Police sources have pointed out that her travel expenses were inconsistent with her known sources of income.
Also Read: After Haryana YouTuber, UP Businessman Held for Spying for Pakistan’s ISI
Investigators are also examining Malhotra’s ties to Ehsan-ur-Rahum (also known as Danish), a Pakistani official who was recently expelled from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi for “engaging in activities incompatible with his diplomatic status.” She allegedly met him during a visa appointment in 2023.
Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan stated, “This is modern warfare, not just fought at the borders. We uncovered a new modus operandi where Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) were being recruited as social media influencers for intelligence activities.”
Authorities are also trying to determine if Malhotra’s recent visits to Kashmir and Pakistan are linked to ongoing security incidents, including the Pahalgam attack.
As the investigation deepens, what started as a travel vlog has become a national security concern.
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Jyoti Malhotra, Pakistan trip, spy network, NIA investigation, Indian YouTuber, espionage case, YouTuber arrested, Pakistan High Commission, Travel with Jo, Ehsan-ur-Rahum, Official Secrets Act, modern warfare, Indian security agencies