Jyoti Malhotra Espionage Case: New Digital Evidence Links YouTuber to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives

New Delhi/Mumbai : In a significant development in the ongoing espionage investigation against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, fresh digital evidence has surfaced linking her to multiple Pakistani intelligence operatives. The findings, uncovered by a multi-agency probe, indicate that Malhotra used encrypted social media platforms and maintained several devices to mask her covert communications with Pakistani agents. The investigation, currently under the jurisdiction of the Haryana Police, is likely to be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further scrutiny.

According to sources familiar with the case, Malhotra communicated with Pakistani agents through encrypted social media apps like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp. These platforms were reportedly used to hide the true nature of her exchanges, which authorities now believe were related to espionage activities. Officials allege that Malhotra’s social media presence, primarily as a content creator, was a cover for her covert communications.

“She maintained multiple digital devices and used encrypted platforms to regularly keep in touch with Pakistani agents. Digital evidence to this effect has been found," said an official source involved in the probe. According to the police, Malhotra’s first contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives occurred after her visit to Pakistan in 2023. The primary handler involved in the case is believed to be Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, who was declared persona non grata by the Indian government on May 13, 2025.

Further investigation revealed that Malhotra had stored the phone numbers of Pakistani agents under false names in her contact list. For example, one agent named Shakir was saved as "Jat Randhawa," while others were saved under names like Ali Ahwan and Rana Shahbaz. Investigators believe that Malhotra met these intelligence operatives during her visits to Pakistan, allegedly aided by a local facilitator.

The probe has also turned its focus towards Harkirat Singh, an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (SGMC), who is suspected of facilitating Malhotra’s travels to Pakistan. Singh reportedly helped Malhotra secure visas and participate in Sikh pilgrimages. His electronic devices have been seized for forensic analysis to determine the full extent of his involvement.

The investigation has raised serious concerns about Malhotra’s potential role in supporting Pakistan’s psychological and information warfare efforts. Indian intelligence agencies claim that during the recent Operation Sindoor, Pakistan activated several assets to gather sensitive defense-related information. Malhotra is alleged to have been part of this effort, as she reportedly showed no remorse during questioning and defended her pro-Pakistan stance, claiming it was an exercise of her "freedom of speech."

Initially, Malhotra’s father, Harish Malhotra, had defended his daughter’s travel to Pakistan, claiming that she was simply visiting the neighboring country for religious purposes. However, under growing scrutiny, he has now distanced himself from her actions, stating, “She used to tell me that she was going to Delhi.”

With new evidence emerging and the complexity of the case deepening, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to take over the investigation soon. The NIA’s involvement will ensure a thorough probe into Malhotra’s links to Pakistani intelligence and the extent of her alleged espionage activities.

The case continues to unfold, and authorities are keen to uncover the full scope of Malhotra’s involvement in what appears to be a sophisticated and well-coordinated espionage operation.