Jyoti Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” has been arrested in Hisar, Haryana and charged with acting as an agent for Pakistan. This arrest forms part of an extensive probe dubbed Operation Sindoor which targets individuals suspected of undermining India’s national security. India Today The Times of India www.ndtv.com * +14 The Economic Times *+1 The Times of India +1 Malhotra, 34, who amassed an extensive following through her travel content, is accused of providing sensitive data to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to authorities, Malhotra maintained contact with ISI operatives via encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat – authorities allege she maintained contact through these applications as well. Her arrest came following evidence suggesting she visited several sensitive locations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg Dal Lake Pangong Lake near China – sharing videos on her YouTube channel channel as well. @EconomicTimes +3 @EconomicTimes +3 The Times Of India +3 Investigations have revealed that Malhotra had romantic ties to Pakistani officials, specifically Ehsan-ur-Rahim (also known as Danish). She met him on her first visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023, and they traveled together as far as Bali before Malhotra communicated sensitive information via encrypted messaging platforms while saving contacts under various aliases in order to evade detection – this information has been reported by various news publications such as Navbharat Times (Hu) Hindustan Times +3 umplut Navbharat Times +3 Hindustan Times (+3) The Times of India (+3) Operation Sindoor and Broader Crackdown Malhotra’s arrest forms part of Operation Sindoor, an ongoing crackdown against individuals suspected of engaging in espionage activities linked to Pakistan. So far, at least 11 individuals have been arrested across multiple states including Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh; since its intensification following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack resulting in 26 fatalities authorities have closely examined Malhotra’s frequent visits in recent years to key pilgrimage sites like Varanasi, Ayodhya Prayagraj Vrindavan for any potential links with any potential links with potential espionage activities After Malhotra was arrested, Instagram accounts had been suspended while YouTube and Facebook profiles remained active; YouTube also saw an unexpected increase in subscribers following her arrest, showing increased public interest in her content amid controversy -this trend can be found both within The Times of India as well as Navbharat Times publications. Harish Malhotra, Malhotra’s father, expressed shock upon hearing of these allegations and stated he was unaware of her trips to Pakistan or any activities on social media. He added that Malhotra would frequently tell family members she was traveling to Delhi instead of disclosing where her destination really lies. For more information visit ndtv.com. Implications and Ongoing Investigations Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest highlights the changing tactics employed by espionage groups, where individuals use social media as a cover to hide illicit activities. Authorities are continuing their inquiries to assess any damage done to national security by this network; its full extent yet has yet to be known and damage assessed; thus serving as a reminder that personal expression should never become a risk in digital environments where lines between personal expression and national security can easily blur. India Today
