Six Indian nationals, including a travel blogger from Haryana, have been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani operatives. The network operated across Haryana and Punjab, with various individuals playing roles as agents, financial conduits, and informants.
Among the arrested was Jyoti Malhotra, who ran the YouTube channel ‘Travel with Jo.’ Authorities revealed that Jyoti visited Pakistan in 2023 on a visa arranged through commission agents. During her stay, she formed close connections with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in New Delhi. Danish, who was expelled by the Indian government on May 13, 2025, was allegedly responsible for introducing Jyoti to several Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).
Jyoti reportedly maintained contact with the operatives, including Shakir (alias Rana Shahbaz), through encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She allegedly shared sensitive details about Indian locations and played an active role in promoting a positive image of Pakistan on social media.
Investigators also claim she entered into a romantic relationship with a PIO and even travelled to Bali, Indonesia, with him. Throughout Danish’s tenure in Delhi, Jyoti continued to coordinate with him, intensifying suspicions surrounding her activities.
Jyoti faces charges under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. A written confession has been obtained, and the case has been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar. Another significant suspect in the case is Guzala, a 32-year-old widow from Malerkotla, Punjab.
