From Vlogger to Spy: The Shocking Espionage Case of Jyoti Malhotra

Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old Indian travel vlogger, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Known for her YouTube channel "Travel with Jo," where she documented her journeys across India and abroad, Jyoti was arrested on May 17, 2025, on charges of espionage. Jyoti, born in Hisar, Haryana, is a Hindu from the Punjabi Khatri community. She launched her YouTube channel in 2011 and gained a significant following with her vibrant storytelling and travel vlogs. Her content covered destinations across India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and China, earning her a reputation as a modern, free-spirited woman with traditional values. the Espionage Allegations, Jyoti's troubles began when she visited Pakistan in 2023 on a visa obtained through commission agents. During her visit, she met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, a Pakistan High Commission staffer who was later expelled from India. It's alleged that she was introduced to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) and began sharing sensitive military information with them. Jyoti allegedly met PIOs and communicated with them using WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She saved a PIO's number as "Jatt Randhawa" to avoid detection. Jyoti is accused of sharing Indian military details, compromising national security. She developed an intimate relationship with a PIO and traveled to Bali, Indonesia, with him. the Investigation and Aftermath Jyoti was arrested in Hisar, Haryana, as part of a larger espionage crackdown involving six individuals. She was booked under Section 152 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3, 4, 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. the investigation is ongoing, with Jyoti currently in judicial custody. Jyoti's followers expressed shock and disappointment, given her image as a harmless travel vlogger. Some believe she was manipulated, while others see it as treason. the case has sparked debates on influencer accountability, cross-border espionage, and digital trust .