In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Indian authorities have arrested six Indian nationals, including Haryana-based travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra, over allegations of passing sensitive information to Pakistani operatives, according to a report by India Today on Saturday.
The arrested individuals reportedly acted as: agents, financial conduits and informants ad their networks spanned across Haryana and Punjab, according to Indian intelligence sources.
Jyoti Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo”, is said to have visited Pakistan in 2023 via a visa obtained through commission agents.
Developed ties with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
Continued communications with multiple Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) after her return.
Officials claim she used encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to maintain contact with operatives, including one known as Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, whose number she saved under the alias “Jatt Randhawa.”
Jyoti Malhotra is accused of sharing sensitive location-based information concerning Indian areas.
Promoted a positive image of Pakistan on her social media and entered an intimate relationship with a PIO and traveled to Bali, Indonesia with him.
DSP Kamaljeet, speaking to ANI, said “Based on inputs, we arrested Jyoti, daughter of Haris Kumar, under the Official Secrets Act and BNS 152. Suspicious material was recovered from her mobile and laptop. She is currently on a 5-day remand, and further investigations are underway.”
