YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested in Haryana for Sharing Military Secrets with Pakistan

Haryana YouTuber Arrested for Spying for Pakistan

Links with High Commission Official Revealed

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair

Hisar, Haryana: In a shocking development, a 33-year-old Haryana-based travel YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra alias Jyoti Rani, was arrested by Haryana Police on Saturday, May 17, on charges of espionage for Pakistan. Malhotra, who runs a travel vlog, was taken into custody from New Aggarsain Extension in Hisar for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with Pakistan, posing a threat to India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.

The arrest was made under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to police officials. Malhotra had reportedly established contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, an official from the Pakistan High Commission. Authorities revealed that Malhotra had applied for a Pakistani visa in 2023 and visited the neighboring country twice.

Links with Pakistani Intelligence Officials

During one of her visits, Malhotra was introduced to Ali Ahwan, a local contact who arranged her travel and stay in Pakistan. In her confession to the police, Malhotra stated that Ahwan introduced her to Shakir and Rana Shahbaz, both linked with Pakistani security and intelligence.

“In Pakistan, I met Shakir and Rana Shahbaz through Ali Ahwan. I saved Shakir’s contact under the name ‘Jat Randhawa’ to avoid suspicion. After returning to India, I continued communicating with them via WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram and began exchanging sensitive military information,” Malhotra reportedly told police officials.

Authorities claim she remained in constant touch with these contacts, providing information that could compromise national security. Malhotra has been remanded to police custody for five days for further interrogation.

Spy Network Unveiled: Multiple Arrests in Haryana and Punjab

Malhotra’s arrest is not an isolated case. In recent weeks, Haryana and Punjab police have cracked down on several individuals allegedly spying for Pakistan:

Nauman Ilahi (24), a security guard, was arrested in Panipat, Haryana, on May 14. Police revealed that Ilahi was sharing military information in exchange for payments received through his brother-in-law’s bank account.
Devendra Singh Dhillon (25), a student, was detained in Kaithal on May 12 after posting pictures of firearms on social media. Investigations uncovered that Dhillon had visited Pakistan via the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2024 and shared sensitive information, including photographs of the Patiala military cantonment, with ISI officers.
In another bust, the Punjab Police arrested Gazala (31) and Yameen Mohamad on similar charges. Gazala confessed to receiving ₹30,000 in two UPI transactions for providing information.
A few days prior, the Amritsar Rural Police apprehended Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih for allegedly leaking photos and information related to Army Cantonment areas and Air Bases to Pakistani intelligence operatives.

Spy Ring Unveiled: Widespread Concerns over National Security

These consecutive arrests have raised significant concerns over national security and the reach of Pakistan’s intelligence network within Indian borders. Authorities are intensifying their investigation to identify more individuals connected to this spy ring.

The Haryana Police have stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of collaborating with foreign intelligence agencies. Meanwhile, Malhotra’s YouTube channel, where she described herself as a “nomadic Leo girl wanderer” and a “modern girl with a traditional outlook,” has been scrutinized for its content and connections.

Ongoing Investigation

The police are now expanding their investigation to trace digital footprints and financial transactions linked to the suspects. Malhotra’s arrest is being viewed as part of a larger espionage network that could have deep roots in India.

As the probe continues, Indian security agencies are working closely with intelligence units to dismantle any remaining threats. The matter has also prompted calls for stricter visa regulations and heightened surveillance on cross-border communications.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local police to prevent further breaches in national security.