The arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana, has uncovered a conspiracy involving a significant module of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI. Investigations have revealed that she used modern technology to run a spy network in India and established contacts extending to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, a region notorious for terrorist activity and restricted civilian access. Malhotra, a popular figure with a large following on YouTube and Instagram, is one of 11 individuals arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan.
Sources reveal that the ISI module strategically targeted individuals with significant social media influence for recruitment. In addition to collecting intelligence, they were reportedly tasked with enhancing Pakistan’s image online. Malhotra boasts around 400,000 subscribers on YouTube and 132,000 followers on Instagram.
The Haryana-based vlogger, who is currently in five-day police custody, is being interrogated by a joint team of the NIA, IB, and Haryana Police. Sources indicate that she has been evasive and has attempted to mislead the investigation. Initially, Malhotra denied any personal connection to Ehsan Dar, also known as Danish, a Pakistani High Commission official who India expelled on May 13 in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.
An examination of her mobile phone revealed that she had deleted two chats with Danish. Investigators suspect these conversations may have contained sensitive information and instructions from Pakistani agents. Her phone has been sent for forensic analysis to investigate the matter further.
Investigation into Malhotra’s International Travels
Authorities are now investigating Jyoti Malhotra’s trips to China and Bangladesh, particularly following her visits to Pakistan. Malhotra’s first trip to Pakistan took place in April 2023, under the guise of attending the 324th Baisakhi festival. She made subsequent visits in 2024 and again in March of this year.
The 2024 China visit, in particular, is under close scrutiny. After attending the Baisakhi festival in Pakistan in May 2023, Malhotra stayed in the country for over 20 days beyond the event’s conclusion. A month later, she travelled to China. Investigators are now examining whether this trip was coordinated during her extended stay in Pakistan. Additionally, in a video shot at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, Malhotra is seen requesting a Chinese visa, raising further suspicion about the nature of her international movements.
Diary reveals details of Malhotra’s visits to Pakistan
In a significant development, investigators have turned their attention to Jyoti Malhotra’s personal diary, which contains detailed accounts of at least 11 pages (eight in English and three in Hindi) documenting her visits to Pakistan. Sources indicate that during her trips, Malhotra would inform her father that she was travelling to Delhi, concealing the true nature of her travels.
Secret meetings with Pakistani Army personnel
According to the diary, Malhotra visited Pakistan multiple times, where she allegedly met with Pakistani army personnel. One diary entry reads, “After completing a 10-day journey in Pakistan, I have now returned to my own country. During this trip, I received a lot of love from the people of Pakistan… Who knows how long these distances across borders will last, but the grievances of hearts should be resolved. We all belong to the same Earth and the same soil.”
Positive portrayal of Pakistan’s religious efforts
Another entry highlights Malhotra’s portrayal of Pakistan’s efforts to promote interfaith relations, stating, “Pakistan has opened access to gurdwaras and temples for Indians. They are preserving temples, and now families that were separated during the 1947 Partition can reunite.” This reflection is now under scrutiny, as investigators explore the possible motivations behind these entries and their connections to her alleged espionage activities.
Videos from Kashmir and sensitive areas under investigation
In order to intensify the investigation further, authorities are thoroughly examining all videos created by Jyoti Malhotra during her visit to Kashmir last year. Sources reveal that intelligence agencies are trying to determine if any of these videos are connected to the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists and a local.
Malhotra’s videos, which were filmed in various locations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Dal Lake, Ladakh, and Pangong Lake, are now being analysed for any potential links to the attack. Investigators are working to ascertain whether these videos, whether intentionally or unknowingly, may have assisted the terrorists or were produced under someone’s direction.
In addition to the Kashmir videos, Malhotra’s recordings near sensitive areas such as Pathankot, Nathu La Pass, and regions bordering Arunachal Pradesh have raised alarm among intelligence agencies. Investigators have found videos in her cloud storage that include footage of BSF troop movements and radar installations, further intensifying the scrutiny of her activities.
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