Haryana YouTuber Arrested for Alleged Espionage Activities

Jyoti Malhotra, a popular YouTuber from Haryana known for her travel vlogs, has been arrested on charges of espionage for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani officials. With a significant online following, she is accused of promoting a positive image of Pakistan while violating national security laws. The case raises serious concerns about online influencers and their potential connections to foreign entities. As investigations unfold, the implications of her actions could lead to severe legal consequences under India's Official Secrets Act and other relevant laws. This incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of social media personalities in the current geopolitical climate.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 18, 2025, 18:41 IST

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested

Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber from Haryana, has been detained on accusations of espionage for Pakistan. She gained fame through her travel vlog 'Travel with Jo' and had established a significant online presence, amassing a large following on various social media platforms. Reports suggest that she was generating a considerable income from her YouTube channel, which boasts over 377,000 subscribers.

Details of the Arrest

The 33-year-old, also known as Rani, was apprehended in Hisar. Authorities allege that she shared confidential information with a representative from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. It is claimed that her Pakistani contacts instructed her to promote a favorable image of Pakistan through her online content.

Charges Against Malhotra

Malhotra faces serious allegations, including sharing sensitive information about India with Pakistani operatives and disseminating content that portrayed Pakistan positively. She has been charged under stringent national security laws, specifically Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, as well as Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Legal Implications

According to the police complaint, Malhotra was in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, an individual previously declared 'persona non grata' by the Indian government due to his unauthorized activities in India. Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act penalizes spying and unauthorized access to sensitive areas, with potential imprisonment of up to 14 years for serious breaches. Section 5 addresses the mishandling of secret information, imposing penalties for careless leaks.

BNS Section Overview

Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertains to acts that threaten India's sovereignty and integrity. It stipulates severe penalties, including life imprisonment or up to seven years for those who incite rebellion or separatist sentiments.

Prior Warnings About Malhotra

Before her arrest, a user on X had alerted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding Malhotra's activities. In May 2024, Kapil Jain urged the NIA to monitor her, citing her attendance at a Pakistani embassy event and a subsequent visit to Kashmir as potential red flags.