Subhechcha Ganguly 
Hisar-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on May 16 under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, was knowingly in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives, but no evidence has been found linking her to any terrorist activity or extremist groups, Hisar police said on Wednesday. The 33-year-old travel blogger was allegedly in touch with Danish, a Pakistani High Commission official expelled from India earlier this month, from November 2023 to March 2025. According to police, Danish was attempting to develop Malhotra as an asset and had introduced her to other YouTube influencers.
Despite being aware of the operatives’ identities, Malhotra maintained communication with them. However, officials clarified that she possessed no sensitive knowledge about India’s armed forces or their operations. Police also dismissed claims about her wanting to marry a Pakistani operative or change her religion, stating that no such intentions were documented. Malhotra’s mobile phones, laptop, and other electronic devices—as well as those belonging to Harkirat Singh, a visa agent arrested on May 18—have been sent for forensic analysis.
During her five-day police remand, Malhotra was also questioned by central agencies, including the NIA and IB. However, no other agency formally took custody of her. Police further clarified that they did not recover any personal diary from her, contrary to claims circulating in the public domain.
