Hisar, Haryana, May 22, 2025 – Authorities in Hisar, Haryana, have issued a statement clarifying that there is no evidence linking YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to terrorist activities or associations with known terrorist groups, despite her recent arrest on espionage charges. Malhotra, a 33-year-old travel vlogger who runs the YouTube channel “Travel with Jo,” was taken into custody on May 17, 2025, for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. However, police have emphasized that no connections to terrorism have been established.
Hisar Superintendent of Police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan stated, “So far, we have not found any evidence of her involvement in any terror activity or her alignment with any terrorist group.” This clarification comes amid widespread speculation and rumors circulating on social media regarding Malhotra’s activities. Additionally, authorities have refuted claims that Malhotra intended to marry a Pakistani intelligence operative or convert to Islam, stating that no formal proof supports these allegations.
Malhotra, who has over 381,000 subscribers on YouTube and 132,000 followers on Instagram, is known for her travel videos documenting trips to countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China. Her arrest followed allegations that she was in contact with a Pakistani High Commission official, identified as Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, who was expelled from India on May 13, 2025. Investigations suggest Malhotra visited Pakistan multiple times and was allegedly involved in sharing sensitive information, though police have not yet confirmed that she accessed defense or strategic data.
The Hisar District Court has remanded Malhotra to four days of police custody to allow further investigation into her financial transactions and digital communications. Authorities are also examining her connections with other individuals, including another YouTuber, Priyanka Senapati from Odisha, who has denied any knowledge of Malhotra’s alleged espionage activities. Senapati clarified that their interactions were limited to travel-related collaborations, stating, “Had I known she was spying for an enemy country, I would have never maintained any contact with her.”
In a separate development, Naveen Dhankhar, father of travel vlogger Navankur Chaudhary (known as Yatri Doctor), has denied any connection between his son and Malhotra. A photo of Chaudhary with Malhotra at a public event had sparked speculation, but Dhankhar emphasized that their interaction was limited to a brief encounter where Malhotra requested a photograph, claiming to be a fan. “There is absolutely no connection between my son and her or any anti-national elements,” he said.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Malhotra’s public persona and the broader context of India-Pakistan tensions. Police are continuing to investigate her role in an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage network, with 12 individuals arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in recent weeks. However, officials have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims about Malhotra’s activities or personal life.
As the investigation progresses, Malhotra’s three mobile phones and laptop have been sent for forensic analysis to uncover any additional evidence. The National Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau, and military intelligence officials are also involved in the inquiry, reflecting the case’s significance.
For now, the police have made it clear that while Malhotra faces serious espionage charges under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, any claims of terrorism or other unverified allegations remain unsubstantiated. The public is advised to rely on official updates as the investigation continues.
This article is based on information available as of May 22, 2025, and will be updated as new details emerge.
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