Is a Haryana Travel Blogger Spying for Pakistan?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Haryana Police have arrested six individuals, including a travel blogger and YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, on espionage charges. The investigation reveals a complex web of espionage activities linked to Pakistani operatives, raising serious concerns about national security.
Key Takeaways
- Six individuals, including a YouTuber, arrested for espionage.
- Links to Pakistan High Commission and intelligence operatives revealed.
- Use of encrypted messaging for communication with foreign agents.
- Significant arrests highlight ongoing security threats.
- Law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling espionage networks.
Chandigarh, May 17 (NationPress) The Haryana Police have apprehended six individuals, including Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber and travel blogger from Hisar, on allegations of espionage and transmitting sensitive information to operatives in Pakistan, officials confirmed on Saturday.
These arrests mark significant developments in Haryana within a week, following the Punjab Police's detention of two individuals linked to espionage activities associated with the Pakistan High Commission after a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
Jyoti, who made two trips to Pakistan in 2023, is currently on a five-day police remand due to her connections with a spy network operating in Haryana and Punjab.
Vikas Kumar, a police spokesperson, stated that officials are interrogating her to extract further details regarding her involvement in the crime.
The initial information report (FIR) indicates that the travel blogger visited the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023 and met Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staff member there.
She is accused of disseminating sensitive information about Indian locations and was allegedly utilized to portray Pakistan positively on social media.
Danish, who was expelled by the Indian government on May 13, introduced her to several intelligence agents in Pakistan.
Investigators suggest that she entered into a personal relationship with an intelligence operative and even traveled to Bali, Indonesia, with him.
While Danish was in Delhi, she allegedly maintained regular communication with him. During her visits to Pakistan, she reportedly met with intelligence officers and began providing them with sensitive information regarding Indian military installations and troop movements.
She purportedly utilized encrypted messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat for communication, saving contacts associated with Pakistan's ISI under pseudonyms to hide their identities.
Jyoti, known for her YouTube channel 'Travel with Jo', has been charged under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a statement from Sub-Inspector Bijender Singh at the Civil Lines Police Station in Hisar.
Additionally, Devender Dhillon from a village in Kaithal district has been arrested on espionage charges, accused of providing strategic information, including updates on Operation Sindoor.
This was preceded by the Punjab Police's arrest of two individuals, including a 31-year-old woman, for alleged espionage linked to an official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gazala and Yameen Mohamad, both from Malerkotla in Punjab. Police recovered two mobile phones from their possession.
This escalation follows the Amritsar (Rural) Police's arrests of Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih for allegedly leaking sensitive information and images of army cantonment areas and air bases to Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav noted that initial investigations indicated the arrested individuals were receiving payments via online transactions in exchange for sharing classified information.
They were reportedly in constant communication with their handler and were involved in channeling funds to other local operatives as directed, he stated.
The DGP emphasized that this operation represents a crucial step towards dismantling cross-border espionage networks and reinforces the commitment to national security.
Senior Superintendent of Police Gagan Ajit Singh mentioned that based on a tip-off, accused Gazala was apprehended for leaking sensitive information about Indian Army movements to a handler based in Pakistan.
Following disclosures during her interrogation, another conduit identified as Yameen Mohamad was also arrested, he added.
Gazala confessed to doing this for financial gain, admitting that the accused official sent her Rs 30,000 in two transactions -- Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 -- via UPI.
Point of View
It is imperative to uphold the integrity of our nation. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance against espionage threats that jeopardize national security. The arrests made by Haryana and Punjab Police highlight the urgent need to dismantle such networks and reinforce our commitment to safeguarding our sovereignty.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges have been filed against Jyoti Malhotra?
Jyoti Malhotra has been charged with espionage and passing sensitive information to Pakistani operatives under the Official Secrets Act.
What is the significance of these arrests?
These arrests are crucial as they expose a network of espionage activities that threaten India's national security.
How did Jyoti Malhotra get involved with Pakistani operatives?
Jyoti reportedly met Pakistani operatives during her visits to the Pakistan High Commission and was introduced to intelligence agents.
What actions are being taken to address espionage in India?
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating and dismantling espionage networks to protect national security.
What are the implications of this case for national security?
This case highlights vulnerabilities to espionage and the need for heightened security measures to safeguard sensitive information.
