Hisar YouTuber’s Pakistan, China Trips Raise Questions in Pahalgam Attack Probe

Hisar, May 19, 2025: A Hisar-based YouTuber, Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on espionage charges, had traveled to Pakistan multiple times, including a visit shortly before the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, according to Hisar Superintendent of Police (SP) Shashank Kumar Sawan. The SP also revealed that Malhotra had visited China, as investigations into her activities intensify.

SP Sawan disclosed that Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) were allegedly grooming Malhotra to serve as an asset. Central agencies had tipped off the Haryana Police about PIOs targeting social media influencers to push favorable narratives, he added. Malhotra, 33, who operates the YouTube channel “Travel with JO” with over 3.77 lakh subscribers, was apprehended on May 16 at her home in New Aggarsain Extension, Hisar. She faces charges under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Further details emerged about Malhotra’s movements. Puri SP Vinit Agrawal confirmed that she visited Puri in September 2024, where she met a woman who had recently traveled to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. When questioned about whether intelligence was exchanged during this meeting, Agrawal noted that the Haryana Police are leading the probe, with Puri authorities providing full cooperation.

The Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, has heightened scrutiny of Malhotra’s travel history and potential links to foreign operatives. Authorities are continuing to investigate her activities, including encrypted communications and meetings with intelligence officials, as they work to uncover any connections to the attack.