NEW DELHI: The Haryana Police claim YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested last week on charges of sharing sensitive information and maintaining regular contact with a Pakistani national, wasn’t working alone. She was allegedly in touch with other social media influencers, some of whom may also have links to Pakistani intelligence operatives.“They were developing her as an asset,” said Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan. “She was in touch with other YouTube influencers, and they were also in touch with the PIOs. She used to go to Pakistan, like on sponsored trips… We are investigating, as we have leads that other people were also involved with her.”Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel Travel with JO with 3.77 lakh subscribers and has 1.33 lakh Instagram followers, is now on five-day police remand. Authorities say her frequent international travels, including multiple visits to Pakistan and one to China, do not match her reported income.“During the conflict (Indo-Pak), she was in touch with the PIOs… Her travel details are defying her total income,” said SP Sawan. “We received inputs from central agencies, and we arrested Jyoti Malhotra.”The investigation has also reached Odisha, where a YouTuber from Puri has come under scrutiny. Malhotra had visited the coastal town in September 2024. “We are examining the objective of her visit, where she stayed, whom she contacted, and any possible suspicious activities,” said Puri SP Vinit Agrawal.The Puri YouTuber’s father confirmed that the two were friends. “My daughter came in contact with Jyoti Malhotra as both are YouTubers… As it is a matter of the nation’s security, a proper investigation should be carried out. We will cooperate with the police,” he said.In an Instagram post, the woman from Puri said, “Jyoti was just a friend of mine, and I came in contact with her through YouTube. I was unaware of anything which she is accused of. I would not have been in touch with her if I knew she was spying for enemy Pakistan.”“If any investigative agency wishes to cross-question, I would provide full cooperation. Nation is above all. Jai Hind,” she added.Police are now analysing Malhotra’s financials and digital trails to identify others who may be involved.
