A development that has jolted both social media and intelligence circles, a well-known Indian travel vlogger, Jyoti Malhotra, was arrested recently on suspicion of collaborating with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The 33-year-old influencer, from Hisar in Haryana, allegedly made multiple trips to Pakistan, with her most recent visit in March 2025.
Connections Under Scrutiny
Indian authorities say Malhotra was in contact with a Pakistani diplomat, Ehsan-ur-Rahim, who was expelled from India earlier this month for “activities not in keeping with his official status,” according to Hisar Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan. Rahim, who served at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, was well known to Indian intelligence agencies and was declared persona non grata amid espionage allegations.
Police claim Malhotra first met Rahim in 2023 when she applied for a visa at the Pakistani mission. Over time, the two allegedly exchanged contact details and stayed in touch. Authorities say Rahim arranged her travel and accommodation during visits to Pakistan and introduced her to a network that included Pakistani and Italian security officials.
Investigators are examining Malhotra’s devices and financial records for evidence of wrongdoing. Superintendent Sawan said, however, that no conclusive proof of espionage has yet emerged.
Family Denies Wrongdoing
From their modest Hisar home, Malhotra’s father, Harish, strongly denied the accusations. “My daughter is completely innocent,” he told ABC. “She has always traveled legally and done nothing wrong. This is a misunderstanding, and I am confident she will be released.”
The family’s humble finances have drawn attention. Harish noted they rely on a small monthly pension of about $270, raising questions about how Malhotra funded her frequent international travel.
Allegations of Threatening National Security
Police have charged Malhotra with “endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.” Authorities accuse her of carrying out “suspicious activities” and passing sensitive information to a Pakistani national already expelled for espionage.
Despite her large social media following — with more than 377,000 YouTube subscribers and 133,000 Instagram followers — some officials suspect Malhotra was being groomed as an asset. Her content, which showcased travel across South Asia and beyond, included popular videos from Pakistan featuring Hindu and Sikh temples, local markets and daily life seen through the eyes of an Indian traveler.
Her Instagram account has since been taken down.
Questions Over Funding and Influence
Police have questioned how Malhotra financed her extensive travel given her limited known income. With no significant earnings beyond YouTube and living with her father and uncle, her financial capacity is under close scrutiny.
Superintendent Sawan warned that young influencers may unknowingly fall prey to foreign agencies eager to exploit social media’s wide reach. “Young people often chase views and likes, unaware of the serious national and international consequences,” he said. “In modern conflict, influence campaigns are as critical as battles at the border.”
He added that Malhotra may not be the only influencer under investigation.
A Tense Cross-Border Backdrop
Malhotra’s arrest comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindus. India blamed Pakistan-based militants, a claim Pakistan denies.
In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” cross-border strikes targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan. Clashes lasted four days before a May 10 ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Since then, India has intensified surveillance and crackdowns on suspected espionage. At least 14 people across India have been detained for allegedly spying or leaking information to Pakistan.
In parallel, a second Pakistani diplomat was expelled this week on similar grounds. The senior Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi was warned to prevent misuse of diplomatic privileges.
The Pakistan High Commission did not respond to ABC’s request for comment.
Hisar’s Strategic Significance
Malhotra’s hometown of Hisar holds military importance, adding to concerns about her alleged activities. While police say she did not access classified information, Superintendent Sawan stressed the seriousness of sharing any data with an adversarial nation.
Ongoing Investigation
Malhotra remains in custody, facing multiple charges, including violations of the Official Secrets Act. Authorities say she has cooperated with investigators.
According to ABC News, the case underscores the risks influencers face — and may pose — in geopolitically sensitive environments amid longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan.
