A well-known Indian travel blogger was detained after being accused of sharing details with an individual linked to Pakistan’s intelligence organization, known as the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old travel influencer hailing from the northern Indian state of Haryana, reportedly made several trips to Pakistan, with her latest visit occurring in March 2025.
Authorities say she had been communicating with an individual affiliated with the Pakistani High Commission, who has since been deported from India earlier this month.
The Hisar Superintendent of Police, Shashank Kumar Sawan, verified with the ABC that the individual, recognized as Ehsen-ur-Rahim, is familiar to Indian intelligence organizations.
The diplomat was dismissed due to “actions inconsistent with his diplomatic capacity.”
Police state that Ms Malhotra initially encountered Mr Rahim in 2023 when she went to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for a visa application.
The investigators claim that the two individuals shared their telephone numbers and stayed in touch.
It is alleged that Mr Rahim assisted with organizing her journey and housing in Pakistan and connected her to a group that comprised both Pakistani and Italian security personnel.
It’s claimed she kept communicating with them through WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram.
Law enforcement is meticulously examining her electronic devices and financial documents; however, Superintendent Sawan admitted that they have not uncovered any solid proof of espionage so far.
‘My daughter has done nothing wrong at all.’
His father, Harish Malhotra, has refuted the claims, maintaining that his daughter entered the country lawfully and did not commit any wrongdoing.
He informed the ABC from their residence in Hisar stating, ‘My daughter is completely innocent.’
“This is a mistake and she’ll be freed, mark my words.”
In an official declaration, the police claimed that Ms Malhotra “is accused of committing a crime by jeopardizing the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.”
She is accused of “carrying out suspicious activities and exchanging Indian intelligence information with a citizen of enemy country Pakistan, who has been declared persona-non-grata by the government of India on charges of espionage”.
Ms Malhotra amassed 377,000 subscribers on YouTube and more than 133,000 followers on Instagram by sharing her adventures as she explored various nations such as India, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, the UAE, and Indonesia.
The majority of her well-received content highlights her trips to Pakistan. During these travels, she captured footage at Hindu and Sikh temples, lively marketplaces known as bazaars, and documented aspects of daily life as an Indian woman visiting the country. Some of these video uploads have attracted millions of viewers online.
Her Instagram profile has subsequently been removed.
Police probe Jyoti’s income
Authorities have questioned how Ms Malhotra managed to finance her numerous trips abroad, considering her humble origins.
Ms Malhotra, who seems to rely solely on income from YouTube, resides with her father and uncle.
His dad informed the ABC that their family gets by on a modest monthly allowance of approximately $270 granted to his handicapped sibling.
“We are examining all her financial activities… Her travel records contradict her stated means of support,” said Superintendent Sawan.
He asserted that Ms Malhotra was being cultivated as an asset, and he pointed out that other Indian influencers are believed to have potential connections with Pakistani intelligence agents.
“Young individuals get ensnared in these situations as they pursue views and likes, without comprehending the national and international consequences,” stated Superintendent Sawan at a press conference.
Contemporary warfare doesn’t only happen at borders; it also involves engaging with influencers and promoting their agenda while manipulating their public perception via this subtle form of influence.
Ms Malhotra is presently in custody and is undergoing investigation on multiple charges, one of which includes violating the Official Secrets Act.
The town she calls home, Hisar, is regarded as a key military stronghold.
Although the authorities acknowledge that she did not have any connection to military or classified data, Superintendent Sawan stated: “Given the present circumstances, sharing information with adversaries is impossible.”
Indian authorities clamp down following clashes
Up until now, Ms Malhotra has been working with the investigators, according to a statement from a police spokesperson to the ABC.
Police say she remained in contact with Mr Rahim between 2023 and 2025, including during
“Operation Sindoor,” India’s attacks across the border aimed at what it termed as “terrorist infrastructure” within Pakistan.
That operation followed
The massacre of 26 civilians, primarily Hindus, which occurred on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir.
—an assault that India attributed to militants based in Pakistan. However, Pakistan refutes any connection to the incident.
Following four days of lethal confrontations, a truce was declared on May 10, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ms Malhotra’s detention occurs as part of an broader investigation.
In recent weeks, at least 14 individuals have been arrested throughout India for alleged espionage activities or suspected unauthorized disclosure of confidential information to Pakistan.
Authorities state that surveillance was stepped up following the Kashmir assault, with concerns over potential increased penetration.
Earlier this week, a second Pakistani representative was required to depart from India within 24 hours due to “engaging in activities inconsistent with their official capacity.”
The highest-ranking diplomat involved in the mission was additionally instructed to guarantee that none of his team members “abuse their privileges and standing in any way.”
The Pakistan High Commission has not yet responded to inquiries from ABC regarding these issues.
