Jyoti Malhotra: China Called Her Rude, Indian YouTuber Booked for Leaking Info to Pakistan

Last Updated:May 19, 2025, 08:33 IST

Jyoti Malhotra made headlines for her antics in China—now she’s at the center of a chilling spy scandal involving Pakistan.

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra among those arrested for allegedly spying on India

Travel influencer Jyoti Malhotra, widely known by her social media moniker Jyoti Rani, was arrested on Saturday on charges of espionage. The 33-year-old content creator, who rose to popularity for her travel vlogs, is accused of leaking sensitive military information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. She has been booked along with five others under the Official Secrets Act.

According to officials, Malhotra shared confidential data regarding Indian Army movements and strategic locations with handlers linked to Pakistan’s intelligence services. Investigators allege she was part of a wider espionage network operating across Haryana and Punjab.

Her arrest comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a counter-intelligence initiative launched by Indian security agencies following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. On May 13, Pakistani diplomat Ehsan-ur-Rahim, reportedly connected to Malhotra, was expelled from India and declared persona non grata for espionage activities.

Controversial Past in China

This is not the first time Malhotra has drawn controversy. In 2024, she faced severe online backlash and was reportedly banned from China after uploading a series of vlogs that many deemed culturally insensitive and inappropriate.

In one widely circulated video from her high-speed train journey between Shanghai and Beijing, she persuaded a fellow passenger to exchange seats so she could sit by the window. In another clip, she attempted to convince a local woman to give her a lift on a two-wheeler despite the woman heading in the opposite direction. The incident escalated to the point where the woman sought police assistance.

Other footage showed Malhotra boarding a public bus without a valid ticket and arguing with the driver when asked to pay. In various segments, she mocked locals for their height, criticized their mobile phones as “cheap,” and expressed frustration at the lack of English communication.

The backlash prompted a response in the comments section of her video titled “Bullet Train of China – 350 KMPH Journey”. Malhotra wrote, “Thank you for your feedback. I’ve travelled to several Asian countries and have always had positive experiences. I believe the recent misunderstanding was due to language barriers and miscommunication. I didn’t intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments and will be more mindful in future videos. I appreciate your understanding and strive for better communication.”

Connections in Pakistan

Malhotra’s alleged involvement in espionage reportedly began during her visits to Pakistan. In 2023, she travelled to the country on a visa arranged through intermediaries and shared content from popular locations including Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar, the historic Katas Raj Temple, and a long-distance bus journey across the region. One Instagram post was captioned “Ishq Lahore”.

Her travel content often compared Indian and Pakistani cultures, with a focus on cuisine and local traditions. However, intelligence reports claim her first visit marked the beginning of her contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, then posted at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. It is alleged that Rahim later introduced her to Pakistani intelligence operatives.

On her return to India, Malhotra reportedly maintained contact with these handlers. During a second visit to Pakistan, she was hosted by Rahim’s associate, Ali Ahwan. Investigators also claim that she developed an intimate relationship with one of the handlers and even accompanied him on a trip to Bali, Indonesia.

In 2024, she visited Jammu and Kashmir and uploaded content from Dal Lake and the Srinagar-Banihal railway route, which officials now say may have been used to gather and share sensitive visual data.

Malhotra’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the digital creator community, raising concerns about the influence and accountability of social media personalities with access to international travel and public platforms.

The case is currently under investigation by national intelligence agencies.

First Published:

May 19, 2025, 08:33 IST