Hisar — The investigation into YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on charges of espionage, has taken a serious turn as fresh evidence has surfaced suggesting her involvement with multiple Pakistani intelligence operatives. Sources indicate the case may soon be officially transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
According to findings from a multi-agency probe, Malhotra allegedly maintained discreet contact with several Pakistani agents using encrypted communication platforms and multiple digital devices. “Her public persona as a travel vlogger was merely a front. Digital forensics has revealed she used encrypted apps to sustain contact with handlers across the border,” a senior official told CNN-News18.
The Haryana Police confirmed the use of messaging platforms like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp to conceal her communication. Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar stated in a media briefing that the NIA is already involved in the investigation. “She has been questioned by NIA officials. Other central agencies are also actively examining her case,” he said.
Haryana SGMC Employee Under Watch
Investigators have identified Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (SGMC), as the individual who allegedly facilitated Malhotra’s initial contact with a Pakistani embassy official named Danish. Singh is reported to have assisted her twice in obtaining visas to Pakistan, enabling her travel as part of a Sikh jatha to pilgrimage sites including Nankana Sahib.
Singh’s mobile phones and other digital devices have been confiscated and sent for forensic analysis.
Malhotra is believed to have first traveled to Pakistan in 2023. Since then, she allegedly maintained consistent communication with multiple Pakistani nationals, including Danish—formally known as Ehsan-ur-Rahim—who was expelled from India on May 13 after being declared persona non grata.
As per the FIR, Malhotra used false identities and aliases in her phone contacts to evade detection. For instance, she allegedly saved one Pakistani agent’s number under the name “Jat Randhawa.” Other individuals reportedly connected to her include Ali Ahwan, who allegedly provided security during her visits, and Rana Shahbaz. Preliminary investigations suggest she was introduced to Pakistani intelligence officials during her trips.
Links to Operation Sindoor
Officials suspect Malhotra may have played a role in Pakistan’s broader information warfare strategy, particularly during Operation Sindoor. Intelligence sources claim the operation aimed to collect sensitive data related to India’s troop and air force deployments.
Two individuals from Punjab’s Gurdaspur district were arrested earlier this week in connection with the same operation, accused of passing on military-related information to Pakistani handlers across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana.
Lack of Remorse, Say Police
Authorities have noted that Malhotra has shown no contrition since her arrest. She reportedly defended a controversial video posted in support of Pakistan during a period of heightened tensions between the two countries. “There is no remorse. She insists she was merely exercising her freedom of speech,” said an investigating officer.
Family Statement: A U-Turn
Meanwhile, her father Harish Malhotra, who earlier defended her connections with friends in Pakistan, has now retracted his statements. “She used to say she was going to Delhi. I didn’t know anything about her trips to Pakistan,” he said Monday, following a police visit to their home in Hisar.
“She came home briefly to collect her clothes. She didn’t say a word. I have no demands. Whatever is to happen will happen,” he added. His remarks mark a sharp departure from his earlier defense on Saturday, where he questioned the basis of her arrest and emphasized her right to maintain friendships across borders.
The case continues to develop, with national security agencies now coordinating closely as the investigation broadens in scope.
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