In a major development linked to the espionage case involving Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, authorities have confirmed she met her Pakistani handler, Danish, in Delhi on May 6, just a day before India launched Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military strike following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
According to officials, the meeting took place amidst blackout drills across North India, part of a confidential protocol to counter potential electronic surveillance threats ahead of the classified strike on May 7. Malhotra, who runs the travel vlog Travel With Jo, remained in communication with Pakistani officials even during this sensitive period, raising alarms within Indian intelligence agencies.
“She met Danish, an expelled staffer from the Pakistan High Commission, and continued contact even during the blackout period,” a senior official said, adding that the timing points to possible sabotage or monitoring of India’s strategic readiness.
Malhotra is one of four individuals arrested since May 13 on charges of spying for Pakistan. Others include:
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Nauman Elahi, a Panipat-based security guard
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Devender Singh Dhillon, resident of Kaithal
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Arman, a youth from Rajaka village in Nuh district
Arman reportedly procured Indian SIM cards for Pakistani intelligence operatives and relayed sensitive data from a defence expo.
Hisar SP Shashank Sawan highlighted a concerning trend, stating:
“In modern warfare, the enemy uses influencers and YouTubers to shape favourable narratives. Malhotra’s role appears to be part of this psychological warfare strategy.”
Authorities flagged disproportionate income and foreign travel, including at least four visits to Pakistan and a Bali trip reportedly taken with a Pakistani official she was romantically involved with. Her devices are under cyber forensic analysis, and a deeper financial probe is underway.
Security agencies have now placed another Odisha-based YouTuber under surveillance, suspecting similar operations.
All four arrested individuals are being interrogated by multiple intelligence and security agencies. Charges filed include those under the Official Secrets Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Indian Penal Code sections related to espionage and national security.
