Sat May 17 11:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information provided:
**Haryana YouTuber Arrested on Suspicion of Spying for Pakistan**
**HISAR, Haryana –** Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber from Haryana with a significant online following, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage activities linked to Pakistani intelligence. Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel “Travel with Jo” boasting over 377,000 subscribers, was presented in court on Saturday and remanded to five days of police custody.
The arrest stems from alleged meetings and interactions with Ehsan Ur Rahim, also known as Danish, an employee of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Sources indicate that Danish allegedly invited Malhotra for dinner, during which they recorded a video together. Subsequently, Danish and an associate are accused of introducing Malhotra to Pakistani intelligence officers (PIOs).
Malhotra is alleged to have communicated with a PIO identified as Shakir, also known as Rana Shahbaz, using encrypted messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. She faces charges under the Indian Penal Code (BNS) Section 152 and the Official Secrets Act of 1923, Sections 3, 4, and 5.
Authorities are scrutinizing Malhotra’s previous trips, particularly a visit to Pakistan approximately two months ago, during which she filmed videos at locations including the Attari-Wagah border, the Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, and the Katasraj Hindu temple. Investigators believe Malhotra was targeted due to her large social media influence to create content portraying a positive image of Pakistan.
Malhotra’s arrest is part of a larger investigation that has resulted in the apprehension of six other individuals across Haryana and Punjab. They are accused of sharing sensitive information and acting as agents for Pakistani intelligence agencies. The other arrested are:
* **Ghazala (32)**: From Malerkotla, Punjab, a Muslim widow, and **Yamin Mohammed:** Accused of assisting with financial transactions and visa processes for Danish.
* **Devinder Singh Dhillon:** From Kaithal, Haryana, a Sikh student who allegedly shared videos of the Patiala cantonment with Pakistani agents after being contacted during a trip to Pakistan.
* **Arman:** From Nuh, Haryana, accused of providing Indian SIM cards and facilitating intelligence and fund transfers. He reportedly gained access to the Defence Expo 2025 site.
Ehsan-Ur-Rahim, the High Commission official linked to the case, was declared persona non grata and expelled from India on May 13, 2025.
Security agencies are treating the matter with utmost seriousness, and the ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged espionage network and identify any other individuals involved.
First Piper 