By The Sampadak Express
In a major bust, Indian authorities have arrested six individuals including a Haryana-based travel vlogger for allegedly being part of a Pakistan-linked espionage network. The operation spanned across Haryana and Punjab, with suspects accused of leaking sensitive information, facilitating financial transactions, and acting as conduits for Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).
Among the accused is Jyoti Malhotra, known online for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo”. Investigators say Malhotra travelled to Pakistan in 2023 after obtaining a visa through commission agents. During the trip, she came into contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, who has since been expelled by the Indian government on May 13, 2025.
Authorities allege that Danish introduced Malhotra to several Pakistani spies. Communication was maintained over encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. One operative, known as Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz, was saved in her contacts as “Jatt Randhawa.”
According to investigators, Malhotra shared strategic details about Indian locations and was actively used to promote a favorable image of Pakistan online. She is also alleged to have developed an intimate relationship with one of the operatives and even traveled with him to Bali, Indonesia.
Malhotra has been charged under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Authorities have secured a written confession, and the case has been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar.
Another key figure in the network is Guzala, a 32-year-old widow from Malerkotla, Punjab. She first visited the Pakistan High Commission on February 27, 2025, where she also met Danish. He allegedly initiated a romantic relationship, convinced her to use Telegram for “secure communication,” and later began sending her money Rs 10,000 via PhonePe on March 7 and Rs 20,000 via Google Pay on March 23.
She was later instructed to transfer parts of the money to specific individuals. On April 23, she returned to the High Commission with her friend Banu Nasreena, another widow, who also received a visa facilitated by Danish.
Other arrested individuals include:
Yameen Mohd from Malerkotla, accused of assisting in financial transfers and visa arrangements.
Devinder Singh Dhillon, a Sikh student from Kaithal, Haryana, who was reportedly recruited during a pilgrimage to Pakistan and sent videos of Patiala cantonment.
Arman from Nuh, Haryana, accused of supplying Indian SIM cards, transferring funds, and gathering information during his visit to the Defence Expo 2025.
Officials told India Today that this case is part of a broader espionage campaign targeting emotionally and financially vulnerable individuals. Many of the suspects were allegedly manipulated through promises of romance, financial incentives, and marriage proposals.
Further investigations are ongoing.
