Court Denies Bail to Influencer Jyoti Malhotra in Espionage Case

Arrest and Charges Against Jyoti Malhotra

Jyoti Malhotra was apprehended in New Agrasen Extension, with charges filed under the Official Secrets Act and provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities allege that Pakistani intelligence agencies were cultivating Malhotra as an asset.

On Wednesday, a Haryana court rejected the bail plea of social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested last month on espionage suspicions. The Hisar police took her into custody on May 16, and the court subsequently placed her in five days of police remand. Following the completion of this remand, the court extended her custody for an additional four days after further questioning by the police. On May 26, she was ordered into 14 days of judicial custody.

Reasons Behind Malhotra's Arrest

Malhotra's arrest stemmed from allegations that she had been in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rehman, a staff member at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023. Reports indicate that India expelled Rehman on May 13 due to his involvement in espionage activities.