Indian police have apprehended a prominent travel vlogger, Jyoti Malhotra, amid mounting suspicions of her espionage activities in favor of Pakistan. This dramatic turn of events unfolds amidst lingering tensions between the two neighboring nations, following days of intense conflict that left the region on edge. Based in the northern state of Haryana, Malhotra, an influencer of considerable repute, faces accusations of disclosing sensitive information to Pakistani authorities, as revealed by a senior police official to reporters on Sunday.
While espionage arrests are not unfamiliar in both India and Pakistan, Malhotra's case has garnered widespread attention, arriving on the heels of one of the most intense conflicts witnessed between the two countries in decades. Fears of an escalating war have loomed large in the aftermath.
Police allege that Malhotra was entangled in a scheme orchestrated by a Pakistani intelligence agent, who groomed her to serve as an "asset" for Islamabad. During the harrowing four-day battle earlier this month, Malhotra purportedly maintained contact with this operative. "She was a travel blogger who, in her quest for views, followers, and viral content, inadvertently fell prey to a treacherous trap," elaborated Superintendent Shashank Kumar Sawan.
Sawan further claimed that Malhotra embarked on "sponsored trips" to Pakistan and was in cahoots with other YouTube influencers who had similar ties to Pakistani intelligence operatives. However, police clarified that she did not possess direct access to defense or military secrets.
CNN has reached out to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attempted to contact Malhotra for comment. As of now, she has not been formally indicted for any offense.
Malhotra's father, unaware of his daughter's extensive travels, revealed to reporters that she used to create short videos at home. Earlier, he mentioned that she had visited Pakistan after obtaining the necessary permissions. Prior to this month's conflict, cross-border travel between India and Pakistan, though fraught with bureaucratic hurdles and historical mistrust, was somewhat feasible.
Tensions soared following the April massacre of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which prompted a military operation by India into Pakistani territory. India blames Pakistan for the attack, an allegation Islamabad vehemently denies. For four days, the two nations exchanged missiles, drones, and artillery fire, claiming scores of lives on both sides before a ceasefire was brokered.
Both countries have hailed their respective victories, and the media coverage in India and Pakistan has been replete with nationalist fervor and exaggeration. Malhotra's YouTube channel, with nearly 400,000 subscribers, is replete with travel videos. Her March postings showcase her journey to Pakistan, where she can be seen navigating public transport, exploring local markets, and visiting the largest Hindu temple in the Muslim-majority nation.
Describing herself as a "nomadic wanderer," Malhotra has shared videos of her adventures in Bali, Indonesia, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and other overseas destinations. Police have questioned the source of her travel funds, stating, "We are scrutinizing her financial records... Her travel itinerary defies her stated income sources," alleged Sawan.
Malhotra's arrest joins a series of recent cases where Indians have been suspected of spying for Pakistan. On Monday, police in Punjab arrested two individuals accused of "leaking sensitive military information" to Pakistan. The duo stands accused of disclosing classified details regarding India's military operations in Pakistan, including troop movements and strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Indian-administered Kashmir, according to a police statement.
Investigations are underway to ascertain if these individuals have violated India's Official Secrets Act, which punishes those who "aid an enemy state." Conviction could result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
