New revelations have emerged in the case of Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, pointing to alleged links with Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus. A recently surfaced conversation between Malhotra and a known ISI operative suggests close coordination and emotional attachment to individuals associated with Pakistani agencies.
Malhotra, a 33-year-old resident of Hisar and the creator of the popular YouTube channel Travel with Jo, was arrested last week for suspected espionage-related activities. Sources involved in the investigation have confirmed that she maintained consistent communication with Ali Hasan, an operative affiliated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The ISI is widely recognised as playing a central role in Pakistan’s military and covert operations, particularly concerning regional intelligence and terror activities.
According to officials, the two were in regular contact via WhatsApp. In one of the recovered chat messages, Malhotra reportedly wrote to Hasan, saying, “Get me married in Pakistan,” implying not only sustained engagement with the ISI operative but also suggesting a deeper emotional connection to Pakistan.
Also Read: Jyoti Malhotra’s Kolkata visit under scanner
During the ongoing investigation, police sources disclosed that authorities have traced four bank accounts connected to Malhotra. Significantly, one of these accounts showed financial transactions originating from Dubai, raising further suspicion about the nature and source of the funds.
Enforcement and intelligence agencies are now thoroughly examining all her financial accounts to determine the origin of the money and whether it was linked to her suspected associations with Pakistani handlers.
Investigators also revealed that Malhotra, who has an online following of over 100,000 on Instagram, had visited Pakistan twice. During these trips, she reportedly came into contact with Rahim, an official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Rahim is believed to have facilitated her introduction to Pakistani intelligence operatives, deepening her involvement with individuals associated with the ISI.
The case has raised alarms about the potential exploitation of social media influencers and content creators for intelligence operations and cross-border espionage. The investigation is ongoing.
Also Read: What turned YouTuber Malhotra's Pakistan trip into an intel probe
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