A significant espionage network has come to light following the arrest of six individuals from India, with a key suspect identified as Jyoti Malhotra. Known for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” the Haryana-based travel blogger was apprehended for allegedly sharing sensitive information with agents of Pakistani intelligence.
Authorities revealed that Jyoti Malhotra had traveled to Pakistan in 2023, using a visa obtained through commission agents. During her stay, she forged a relationship with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, an official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Ehsan-ur-Rahim has since been expelled from India and declared persona non grata. He reportedly introduced Malhotra to several operatives working for Pakistani intelligence.
The investigation indicates that Malhotra maintained contact with these operatives via encrypted messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram. One operative, identified as Shakir, was saved in her contacts under the name “Jatt Randhawa.” She is accused of transmitting location-sensitive information concerning Indian territories and disseminating pro-Pakistan propaganda through her social media accounts. Further inquiries suggest that Malhotra engaged in an intimate relationship with one of the operatives, even traveling with him to Bali, Indonesia.
In addition to Malhotra, several other individuals have been arrested. Yameen Mohd from Malerkotla is said to have assisted in financial transactions and visa-related tasks for the Pakistani handlers. Devinder Singh Dhillon, a Sikh student from Kaithal, allegedly became involved during a religious pilgrimage to Pakistan, allegedly recording and sending videos of military installations in Patiala to his contacts in Pakistan. Another suspect, identified only as Arman from Nuh, is believed to have acquired Indian SIM cards, transferred funds, and attended the Defence Expo 2025 at the direction of Pakistani operatives, thus supporting the espionage activities within the country.
Officials have observed that the espionage network targeted vulnerable individuals along religious and social lines, leveraging emotional manipulation, financial incentives, and deceitful promises of marriage. The operations spanned across Haryana and Punjab, utilizing a complex mélange of digital communication, financial benefits, and covert interactions with Pakistani intelligence.
All accused individuals have reportedly confessed to their roles in the activities, and investigations are ongoing to uncover further connections and prevent additional threats to national security.
