Indian Travel Vlogger Arrested for Alleged Espionage Linked to Pakistan

Indian authorities have arrested popular travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra on suspicion of espionage, alleging that she was involved in sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence during a period of heightened conflict between the two nations.

Malhotra, a YouTuber from Haryana with nearly 400,000 subscribers, was reportedly in contact with a Pakistani intelligence operative who, according to police, groomed her to act as an “asset” for Islamabad. Her arrest follows a deadly four-day military clash earlier this month—the most intense exchange between India and Pakistan in decades—raising the stakes in an already volatile region.

"She fell into a trap while seeking viral content and viewership," said Shashank Kumar Sawan, a senior police official, during a press briefing. Authorities claim Malhotra took part in several “sponsored” trips to Pakistan and maintained communication with other influencers suspected of ties to Pakistani intelligence.

Though officials say she did not have direct access to military or defense information, her interactions and travel patterns have raised suspicions. “We are analyzing her finances, which do not align with her reported income,” Sawan added.

Malhotra has not yet been formally charged, and CNN’s requests for comment from both her and the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs remain unanswered.

Her father has publicly stated he was unaware of her international travels, noting she typically created content at home. He previously told reporters she had acquired the proper permissions to visit Pakistan.

Malhotra’s videos from earlier this year show her exploring various locations in Pakistan, including public markets and historic landmarks. She also visited the country’s largest Hindu temple. Known online as a “nomadic wanderer,” Malhotra has also documented travel to destinations like Bali and Dubai.

Her arrest comes amid a series of espionage-related cases. Just a day prior, police in Punjab arrested two individuals accused of leaking classified military information to Pakistan. The suspects allegedly shared details about troop movements and strategic locations in key northern states, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Authorities are investigating whether the suspects, including Malhotra, violated India’s Official Secrets Act, a law that prohibits aiding a hostile state. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.

The latest developments unfold against the backdrop of renewed tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The recent conflict was sparked by an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 tourists dead—an act India has blamed on Pakistan, a claim Islamabad has denied. The brief but deadly confrontation included missile strikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire before a ceasefire was brokered.

As nationalist sentiment surges in both countries, Malhotra’s arrest is drawing widespread attention, placing social media influencers in the spotlight amid an increasingly strained geopolitical climate.