New Delhi: In a startling revelation that underscores the evolving tactics of cross-border espionage, Indian agencies have arrested six individuals, including a travel vlogger from Haryana and a widow from Punjab, for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) under the guise of personal and financial connections.
The espionage network, spread across Haryana and Punjab, is said to have acted as a web of agents, informants, and financial conduits, compromising national security through encrypted apps and manipulated relationships.
Travel Blogger Turned Informant
One of the most sensational names in the case is Jyoti Malhotra, the face behind the YouTube channel “Travel with Jo”. Officials say Jyoti visited Pakistan in 2023 after acquiring a visa through middlemen and soon developed a close association with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
Danish, who has since been declared persona non grata and expelled by India on May 13, 2025, allegedly introduced Jyoti to a circle of PIOs. According to investigators, she remained in touch with them via WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat, even saving one operative’s number as “Jatt Randhawa” — later identified as Shakir alias Rana Shahbaz.
Authorities claim Jyoti not only passed on sensitive geographic and military information but also tried to normalize Pakistan’s image through her online platforms. Alarmingly, she even travelled to Bali, Indonesia, with one of the Pakistani operatives and allegedly entered a romantic relationship.
She has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Her confession has been recorded, and the case is now being probed by the Economic Offences Wing, Hisar.
A Widow Lured by Love and Money
Another key accused, Guzala, a 32-year-old widow from Malerkotla, Punjab, also came into contact with Danish after visiting the Pakistan High Commission in February 2025. Enticed by promises of marriage and a better future, she moved her chats to Telegram, following Danish’s advice.
Records reveal that Danish began sending her money — Rs 10,000 via PhonePe on March 7, and Rs 20,000 via Google Pay on March 23 — and instructed her to disperse funds in multiple small payments to suspected agents.
On April 23, Guzala visited the Pakistan High Commission again — this time with her friend, Banu Nasreena, also a widow. Danish helped both obtain visas, issued the very next day.
A Web of Recruits Across States
The others arrested in the case expose a broader strategy of recruitment:
- Yameen Mohd, also from Malerkotla, is believed to have coordinated fund transfers and visa facilitation.
- Devinder Singh Dhillon, a Sikh student from Kaithal, Haryana, allegedly came into contact with PIOs during a religious pilgrimage to Pakistan. He is accused of sending videos of Patiala cantonment.
- Arman from Nuh, Haryana, reportedly acted as a local logistics facilitator, supplying Indian SIM cards, transferring funds, and even attending Defence Expo 2025 at the behest of handlers.
