Haryana Travel Influencer Arrested for Allegedly Spying for Pakistan
In a stunning twist that has rocked India’s digital travel community, Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, also known online as “Travel With Jo,” has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive Indian military information and operating as part of a Pakistani espionage network.
The 33-year-old influencer, known for her adventurous solo bike rides and captivating travel content, was taken into custody on Saturday. She is among six individuals booked under serious charges of espionage.
Who Is Jyoti Malhotra?
Jyoti Malhotra gained popularity on social media through her vibrant travel videos under the handle “travelwithjo1,” boasting over 137,000 Instagram followers. Her bio reads: “Nomadic Leo Girl. Wanderer. Haryanvi + Punjabi modern girl with old ideas.”
She has explored various corners of India and ventured abroad to countries such as Bhutan, Indonesia, China, and notably, Pakistan. Her YouTube and Instagram are filled with scenic vlogs, bustling markets, and cultural comparisons—content that until recently was seen as purely travel-related.
The Pakistan Connection
Investigators allege that Malhotra first visited Pakistan in 2023 using a visa arranged through commission agents. During her trip, she reportedly came into contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim (alias Danish), a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
Sources say that Rahim introduced her to Pakistani intelligence operatives, and her ties with them deepened over time. After returning to India, Malhotra allegedly stayed in touch with these handlers and began passing on sensitive information, including details about Indian Army movements in Haryana and Punjab.
Her visits to Pakistan, including popular destinations like Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar and the Katas Raj Temple, were documented on social media. One post captioned “Ishq Lahore” drew particular attention, reflecting her fondness for the country. Her vlogs compared Indian and Pakistani culture and cuisine, raising no suspicion at the time.
In 2024, Malhotra also travelled to Kashmir, uploading videos from Dal Lake and the Srinagar-Banihal railway—areas sensitive due to recent terror incidents. Investigators claim she even accompanied a Pakistani operative to Bali, Indonesia, indicating the relationship went beyond mere friendship.
Operation Sindoor and the Fallout
Malhotra’s arrest follows India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military strike after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. In the wake of the operation, Pakistani official Ehsan-ur-Rahim was expelled from India on May 13, officially declared persona non grata for espionage.
The case has sent shockwaves across the digital world, raising critical questions about online influence, cross-border connections, and national security.
