New developments have intensified suspicions in the espionage case involving Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra. A photograph has surfaced showing Malhotra alongside a man who was seen carrying a cake into the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, just two days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 tourists dead.
According to reports, the same man featured in the newly emerged photograph with Malhotra had been spotted on April 24 entering the Pakistan High Commission, sparking public outrage. This visit occurred shortly after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26 people.
A video that circulated widely on social media showed the man, dressed in a brown pathani suit and sporting a beard, being approached by journalists. When questioned about the purpose of his visit and the occasion for bringing a cake, he declined to comment and swiftly avoided the media.
Adding to the intrigue, it has now been revealed that during one of her trips to Pakistan, Jyoti Malhotra recorded a video of a party she attended where she was seen interacting with the same man. These findings have raised further concerns about her connections with individuals linked to Pakistan-based networks.
Malhotra, who runs a YouTube travel channel named Travel with JO, was arrested on charges of espionage and for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Authorities claim she had been in regular contact with Pakistani officials, including an individual named Danish affiliated with the Pakistan High Commission. She had visited Pakistan at least twice in 2024.
Law enforcement agencies believe Pakistani intelligence operatives were attempting to recruit Malhotra as a long-term asset in India. During interrogation, she reportedly admitted to meeting a Pakistani officer named Ahsan-ur-Rahim in Delhi. The police have charged her under BNS Section 152 and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. She has been remanded to five days of police custody for further investigation.
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According to Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan, Malhotra was being cultivated as a Pakistani asset and maintained ties not only with Pakistani nationals but also with other Indian YouTube influencers who were allegedly in contact with Pakistan Information Officers (PIOs). Sawan stated that Malhotra had been on sponsored trips to Pakistan and was in the country shortly before the Pahalgam attack.
“She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in contact with Pakistan Information Officers (PIOs). She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips. She was in Pakistan before the Pahalgam attack, and the investigation is ongoing to establish any possible linkages,” SP Sawan said.
The case has raised serious national security concerns and prompted increased scrutiny of social media influencers who maintain foreign ties. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the network and any potential involvement in subversive activities.
Also Read: Man carries cake to Pak High Commission amid terror attack
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