- By Priyanka Koul
- Sun, 18 May 2025 12:06 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra: Jyoti Malhotra, the only daughter of Harish Malhotra, has landed in the middle of a high-profile espionage case, accused of spying for Pakistan. The Haryana-based YouTuber and travel blogger, raised solely by her father after her mother left 20 years ago, is among six individuals arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistani operatives.
The espionage network reportedly spanned across Haryana and Punjab, with the accused acting as agents, financial couriers, and informants keeping tabs on the movements and operations of the Indian Armed Forces. The big revelation has left her family and local community in disbelief who say they never suspected a thing.
Image Credits: Jagran.com
Her father, Harish Malhotra, a furniture businessman residing in New Agarsen Colony on Ghoda Farm Road, has cared for Jyoti since his wife, Sunita, walked out on the family two decades ago. Jyoti lived with her father and elder brother, Kushal Chand, though she was rarely seen at home. Neighbours recall only occasional glimpses of her, mostly when she returned briefly before heading out again. When at home, she would stay indoors and upload vlogs to the internet.
Residents of the area say the family largely kept to themselves and never showed any signs of suspicious activity. The recent allegations have taken everyone by surprise.
According to Harish, police officials arrived at their home around 2 am on Thursday, accompanied by a female constable, and took Jyoti into custody. The next morning, she was seen heading to the Civil Lines police station on her scooter but did not return home. Her laptop, phone, documents, and scooter were all seized by authorities, Jagran.com reported.
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Harish met his daughter in court on Saturday and claims she denied all allegations. “She told me, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong, I’m innocent,’” he said. He also explained that Jyoti had only travelled to Pakistan for tourism purposes, something many Indians do. “That doesn't make someone a spy,” he insisted.
The family is now preparing to defend Jyoti legally, with Harish determined to clear his daughter’s name. As the case unfolds, it has left the local community stunned, unable to reconcile the quiet YouTuber they occasionally saw with the accusations now making national headlines.