Hisar YouTuber Jyoti's Instagram Blocked Over Spying for Pakistan

Authorities have blocked the Instagram account of Hisar-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra following her arrest on espionage charges. Malhotra is currently in police custody after being booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani handlers.

 Police reports indicate Malhotra traveled to several strategically important locations in Jammu and Kashmir shortly before the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Her YouTube videos document visits to high-security areas including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Dal Lake, and Pangong Lake near the Line of Actual Control with China. These visits, made in 2024 and again in January 2025, had placed her under intelligence agency surveillance.

 Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan revealed that Malhotra had traveled to Pakistan before the recent Pahalgam attack, where she reportedly met an individual named Danish. "Pakistan is not a normal country for us. Making multiple visits, socializing with them, remaining in contact during times of conflict, and exchanging favors is definitely an offense," stated SP Sawan.

Authorities have seized documents from Malhotra's residence, and the National Investigation Agency is expected to interrogate her regarding possible terror links. Police are examining her electronic devices and financial transactions, with preliminary findings suggesting her travel expenses exceed her known income sources.

"She was in contact with Pakistani intelligence officials during times of conflict. While she did not have direct access to military or defense information, the nature of her interactions remains suspicious," police sources added. Multiple teams, including cyber and financial experts, are investigating the case.

The police have characterized Malhotra's Pakistan visit as "sponsored" and are investigating the involvement of other individuals. SP Sawan noted that Malhotra was in contact with several influencers from India and abroad, emphasizing that modern warfare extends beyond physical borders to include "soft power" tactics that manipulate public perception.