In a surprising turn of events, police in the Indian state of Haryana have taken into custody local YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, accusing her of espionage linked to Pakistan. The influencer, known for her travel content, reportedly visited Pakistan multiple times, with her last trip occurring in March 2025. Investigators allege she was in contact with Ahsan-ur-Rahim, a Pakistan High Commission official expelled from India earlier this month for engaging in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic role.
Though Ms. Malhotra's father maintains she acquired permission for her travels, authorities are scrutinizing her financial sources to explain her extensive globetrotting — trips documented in her vlogs spanning nations such as Bangladesh, Thailand, and the UAE. Haryana police cite continuous interactions with "Pakistani intelligence operatives" and other YouTube influencers as part of their reasoning for the arrest.
The case gains additional context as it follows increased military tensions between India and Pakistan, exacerbated by a recent militant attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir, which India attributed to Pakistan. Both nations have accused each other of espionage as diplomatic relations remain strained; a ceasefire was brokered just days before Ms. Malhotra's arrest.
Additionally, her recent video footage showcases her visits to religious sites and local interactions in Pakistan, raising eyebrows about her motives and official standing. The developments have sparked discussions on the implications of digital content creators in international relations and the scrutiny they may face amid geopolitical conflicts.
Though Ms. Malhotra's father maintains she acquired permission for her travels, authorities are scrutinizing her financial sources to explain her extensive globetrotting — trips documented in her vlogs spanning nations such as Bangladesh, Thailand, and the UAE. Haryana police cite continuous interactions with "Pakistani intelligence operatives" and other YouTube influencers as part of their reasoning for the arrest.
The case gains additional context as it follows increased military tensions between India and Pakistan, exacerbated by a recent militant attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir, which India attributed to Pakistan. Both nations have accused each other of espionage as diplomatic relations remain strained; a ceasefire was brokered just days before Ms. Malhotra's arrest.
Additionally, her recent video footage showcases her visits to religious sites and local interactions in Pakistan, raising eyebrows about her motives and official standing. The developments have sparked discussions on the implications of digital content creators in international relations and the scrutiny they may face amid geopolitical conflicts.
