Authorities are currently investigating allegations of espionage against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra. The police have commented on the accusations, stating that they are actively pursuing the case, which has revealed several surprising details.
On Wednesday, law enforcement revealed that Jyoti had been in contact with officials from the Pakistani embassy. So far, there is no evidence linking her to any terrorist organizations or activities. Jyoti previously uploaded numerous videos on her YouTube channel, 'Travel With Jyoti.' She was arrested by the police last week.
Investigators believe that Jyoti was in touch with a Pakistani intelligence officer known as Ehsan-ur-Rehman, also referred to as Danish. Reports suggest that she allegedly shared sensitive information with him.
According to NDTV, WhatsApp chats indicate that Jyoti expressed a desire to marry in Pakistan. However, the police superintendent from Hisar stated that there is no formal evidence of her intent to convert to another religion. The superintendent mentioned, "We have not found any documents indicating that she wishes to marry a PIO or change her religion."
Police have identified Danish as an undesirable person in India. He reportedly introduced Jyoti to Ali Ahwan, who allegedly assisted her with accommodation and connected her with Pakistani officials Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. A spokesperson for Hisar police stated, "Danish was developing her as an asset. She was in contact with other YouTube influencers."
The 33-year-old Jyoti Malhotra boasts over 100,000 followers on Instagram and 387,000 subscribers on YouTube. She has reportedly traveled to Pakistan twice, during which she came into contact with an official from the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi. Her communications raised suspicions, prompting inquiries from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Jyoti has been charged under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Indian Penal Code. She is among 12 individuals arrested in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh over espionage allegations in the past two weeks. Authorities believe this case may be part of a larger espionage network linked to Pakistan operating in North India.