Spy hunt widens after YouTuber’s arrest, three dozen rounded up

Security agencies and the Special Cell of the Delhi Police have ramped up efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in espionage activities in the national capital, following the arrest of Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra on spying charges.

Top sources in the intelligence community told The Tribune that nearly three dozen individuals have been detained for questioning by the Delhi Police and various central agencies. Many were later released after preliminary interrogation.

“We are exploring every possible lead to identify people who might be working for the nefarious interests of the neighbouring country. Our networks have been fully activated in all areas,” a senior official said.

The Jyoti Malhotra case has triggered a broader intelligence sweep across northern India, as agencies seek to dismantle “a growing network of digital-age espionage” orchestrated through non-traditional actors like social media influencers.

Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel ‘Travel with JO’, was arrested for allegedly transmitting sensitive information to a Pakistani national, believed to be associated with Pakistan’s intelligence services.

Investigations revealed that she had travelled to Pakistan shortly before the terror attack in Pahalgam. The authorities also found that she was in contact with Pakistani handlers during sensitive periods, including recent power blackouts in northern India.

However, officials clarified that no concrete evidence has been found linking her to any terrorist activity or terror outfit so far.

Sources further suspect that Danish, alias Ehsan-ur-Rehman — a Pakistan High Commission official expelled by India earlier this month — was likely to be an ISI operative. He was reportedly in contact with Malhotra.

“Though he was officially posted at the visa desk at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, we suspect that his real job was espionage and luring individuals into spying for Pakistan,” an intelligence source added.

As the investigation continues, Malhotra’s police custody has been extended by four more days. The Haryana Police are now set to conduct a forensic examination of her electronic devices, including her mobile phone and laptop.