YouTuber Arrested in India on Suspicion of Espionage for Pakistan

Jyoti Malhotra, a popular YouTuber from Haryana, India, has been arrested on accusations of espionage for Pakistan, allegedly maintaining connections with a Pakistani High Commission official. The case has sparked conversations about the delicate India-Pakistan relations amidst ongoing military tensions.

Indian police in Haryana have recently arrested Jyoti Malhotra, a travel influencer with a substantial social media following, on charges of espionage for Pakistan. Allegations suggest that the 30-year-old YouTuber made multiple trips to Pakistan, the most recent occurring in March 2025. Authorities claim she was in contact with Ahsan-ur-Rahim, a Pakistani official who was expelled from India earlier this month due to activities deemed incompatible with his official status.

Malhotra’s father has dismissed the allegations, arguing that she traveled to Pakistan with the proper permissions. Known for her vibrant social media presence, with 377,000 YouTube subscribers and 133,000 Instagram followers, Jyoti describes herself as a "modern girl with old ideas." However, police are probing how she financed her international travels, as her lifestyle appears inconsistent with her officially reported income.

According to police statements, Malhotra was allegedly involved in ongoing communication with "Pakistani intelligence operatives" and had established connections with a Pakistani citizen. In addition to espionage, she's being investigated for potential ties to a recent deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, a tourist spot in Kashmir, further complicating her case.

Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan mentioned that her interactions extended to other YouTubers and included sponsored trips to Pakistan. These developments follow a escalating military tension between India and Pakistan, a backdrop replete with recent cross-border incidents. On May 7, India's government reportedly targeted purported "terror infrastructure" in Pakistan, while the latter denies any involvement in an attack that killed tourists in India. Amidst these heightened tensions, an uneasy ceasefire was agreed upon shortly thereafter on May 10.

As both nations navigate this contentious relationship, the intersection of social media, personal travel, and international espionage presents complex challenges for influencers like Jyoti Malhotra, whose case will likely attract continued scrutiny.