New Delhi: A major espionage ring with cross-border links has been busted, with six Indian nationals — including a Haryana-based travel vlogger — arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence operatives. The racket operated across Haryana and Punjab, involving agents, money handlers, and informants.
Among the accused is Jyoti Malhotra, who ran a popular YouTube channel called “Travel with Jo.” In 2023, Jyoti travelled to Pakistan via a visa arranged by commission agents, where she befriended Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in New Delhi. Danish, now expelled and declared persona non grata on May 13, 2025, introduced Jyoti to multiple Pakistani intelligence handlers.
Using encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat, Jyoti allegedly passed sensitive information about Indian locations and worked to portray a positive narrative about Pakistan online. She reportedly maintained close personal ties with a Pakistani operative, even vacationing with him in Bali, Indonesia. Jyoti faces charges under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
Another key figure, 32-year-old widow Guzala from Malerkotla, Punjab, was lured into the network after visiting the PHC in February 2025. Danish promised her marriage while coaxing her to switch to Telegram for ‘security.’ He sent her money via PhonePe and Google Pay, instructing her to transfer specific amounts to different contacts.
The case has now been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing, Hisar, for deeper investigation.
