Indian YouTuber Arrested for Allegedly 'Spying' for Pakistan

A prominent Indian YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana with a significant online following, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, allegedly working for Pakistan. This arrest is part of a wider crackdown that has seen several individuals detained across northern India for similar accusations, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
According to police reports, Malhotra is accused of being in contact with a staff member of the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, who was expelled from India earlier this month due to activities deemed "not in keeping with his official status." It is alleged that Malhotra traveled to Pakistan multiple times, with her most recent visit occurring in March 2025. Sources indicate that she first met the expelled Pakistani official in 2023 while seeking a visa to visit the neighboring country.
Police have stated that Malhotra was allegedly in touch with "Pakistani intelligence operatives" and had continuous communication with a Pakistani citizen. There are also claims that she was being "developed as an asset" by Pakistani intelligence. Investigations are underway to determine if there are any links between Malhotra and the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
While the specifics of the information she is alleged to have shared have not been fully disclosed, authorities claim it pertains to sensitive matters. There are also reports suggesting that her income was disproportionate to her apparent means, leading to suspicions that some of her travels may have been sponsored.
Malhotra, who describes herself on social media as a "modern girl with old ideas" and has a substantial following on YouTube and Instagram, has had several videos documenting her travels in Pakistan, showcasing cultural sites, markets, and interactions with locals. One of her recent videos reportedly showed her attending a Ramadan dinner at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
Her father has publicly denied the allegations against his daughter, stating that she had obtained the necessary permissions for her visits to Pakistan and questioning whether having friends in Pakistan should be considered suspicious.
This arrest comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent claims of retaliatory strikes. It also follows a pattern of arrests on both sides of the border involving allegations of spying.
In connection with this case, another YouTuber from Odisha who had accompanied Malhotra on some of her trips to Pakistan is also reportedly under scrutiny. Furthermore, authorities have indicated that young social media influencers are increasingly being targeted by foreign intelligence agencies to promote certain narratives.
Along with Malhotra, several other individuals, including a businessman from Uttar Pradesh accused of financing ISI operations, and others from Punjab and Haryana, have been arrested in this alleged spy ring. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the authorities continue their inquiries.
Source@BBC