New and damning evidence has surfaced in the high-profile espionage case involving Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested last week for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Investigative agencies have now confirmed that Malhotra used encrypted communication platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to maintain regular contact with multiple Pakistani intelligence agents. Her public persona as a travel vlogger, investigators say, was merely a facade to cover her covert activities and trips across the border.
According to official sources cited by CNN-News18, Malhotra operated multiple digital devices and relied heavily on encrypted social media apps to communicate with handlers based in Pakistan. Forensic analysis of her digital footprint has reportedly yielded substantial evidence, now under review by central agencies. Haryana Police, working closely with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have confirmed that the investigation has entered a critical phase with several leads being pursued.
Visa Facilitation and Embassy Connections
The case has uncovered a disturbing link between Malhotra and a Pakistani High Commission official identified as Danish, alias Ehsar Dar, who was recently expelled by India following the Pahalgam terror attack. Officials have revealed that Jyoti was introduced to Danish by Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. Singh is suspected of helping her obtain visas for two visits to Pakistan under the guise of pilgrimage travel, accompanying Sikh jathas to gurdwaras like Nankana Sahib.
During her visits to Pakistan, Malhotra reportedly met several individuals with suspected links to Pakistani intelligence, including Danish’s associate Ali Hassan, who facilitated her lodging and movement in the country. Sources suggest Hassan later introduced her to two intelligence operatives, Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. Malhotra admitted during interrogation that she stored Shakir’s number under the false identity of ‘Jatt Randhawa’ in an effort to avoid detection. These revelations have raised serious concerns about the penetration of foreign intelligence networks within India.
Family in the Dark, Digital Evidence Mounts
In a twist that adds a layer of personal tragedy to the unfolding espionage case, Malhotra’s father, Harish Malhotra, claimed he had no knowledge of his daughter’s trips to Pakistan or her alleged dealings with foreign agents. Speaking to ANI, he said she frequently told the family she was visiting Delhi. He also stated he was unaware of her YouTube activities, contradicting his earlier claims that she had gone to Pakistan for video shoots.
Meanwhile, investigators have seized multiple electronic devices linked to Malhotra, which are now being examined by cyber forensic labs. Sources have also indicated that bank account audits are underway to track potential foreign fund transfers.
Another Spy Arrested in Haryana
In a parallel case that further underlines growing concerns about espionage activity, police in Kaithal, Haryana, have arrested Devendra Singh, a 25-year-old MA student from Patiala, for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistani operatives. According to Kaithal SP Astha Modi, Singh visited Pakistan in November last year and remained in contact with at least four Pakistani intelligence personnel, including one woman.
Singh admitted to shooting a video near the Patiala cantonment area and sending it across the border. Two of his electronic devices were seized, and authorities have recovered over 300 GB of data, which is now being scrutinized for evidence of espionage. The suspect is currently on a three-day police remand, with further questioning and financial investigations underway.
Both cases suggest a deeper and more coordinated network of espionage operations aimed at gathering sensitive information from within India. Authorities believe the use of digital platforms and deceptive identities is part of a larger playbook employed by foreign agencies to infiltrate Indian institutions and civilians. The probe continues to unfold, potentially leading to further arrests and diplomatic implications.
