Jyoti Malhotra, born in Hisar, Haryana, is an Indian travel vlogger and social media influencer known for her YouTube channel, Travel with JO. She gained popularity by documenting her journeys across India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and China. With over 380,000 YouTube subscribers and 130,000 Instagram followers, she built a reputation as a vibrant storyteller.

Espionage Allegations and Arrest

In May 2025, Malhotra was arrested on charges of espionage, accused of passing sensitive information to operatives of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Reports indicate that she visited the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in 2023 for a visa, where she met a staffer identified as an ISI agent using the alias "Danish". Investigators claim she maintained encrypted communications with multiple alleged intelligence operatives and visited Pakistan at least three times between 2023 and 2025.

Legal Proceedings and Investigation

Malhotra was booked under the Official Secrets Act (India) and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Her custody has been extended multiple times by courts in Haryana, allowing forensic examination of her electronic devices and financial records. Authorities have stated that while she admitted to being in contact with ISI-linked individuals, no evidence has surfaced indicating she accessed military secrets or had links to terrorist organizations.

Public Reaction and Impact

The case has received national media attention, reigniting discussions about honey trapping, influencer vulnerability, and cybersecurity in India. Law enforcement agencies have cautioned against sensationalism, confirming that the case does not involve classified defense data.

With her travel vlogging career overshadowed by espionage allegations, Jyoti Malhotra’s future remains uncertain as investigations continue.