HISAR, May 17: Haryana Police have arrested six individuals from various locations across the state on suspicion of espionage for Pakistan, including a local YouTuber identified as Jyoti Malhotra.
According to officials, Malhotra was apprehended from the New Aggarwal Extension area in Hisar. She runs a YouTube channel titled Travel with Jo and is accused of sharing sensitive information with foreign handlers.
Hisar police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the case, and Malhotra is currently being presented before a local court. The FIR, based on a complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Bijender Singh of the Civil Lines Police Station, names her under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, along with Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“Information was received about her involvement in activities against national interest. Preliminary inquiry revealed suspicious communication patterns that raised concern,” said a senior police official familiar with the investigation.
While the police have not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the alleged espionage, they confirmed that a wider probe is underway, with more arrests likely.
“The matter is serious and under active investigation. We are pursuing leads that may point to a larger network,” the official added.
This arrest comes amid heightened vigilance by Indian authorities over attempts by foreign intelligence to exploit digital platforms and recruit individuals for gathering sensitive data.
