In a startling development with serious national security implications, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is suspected of using Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to gather intelligence on Indian undercover agents. Malhotra is currently in five-day police custody and is being interrogated by a joint team comprising the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Haryana Police.
Sources reveal that WhatsApp chats between Malhotra and a suspected ISI handler, identified as Ali Hasan, have surfaced. The conversations reportedly contain coded language referencing India’s covert operations. In one exchange, Hasan asked Malhotra whether she had observed any individuals receiving “special protocol” during her visit to the Attari border, suggesting this as a way to identify undercover operatives.
The specific mention of terms like “protocol” and “undercover agent” in these chats has raised red flags for Indian intelligence agencies. When Hasan asked, “Who received the protocol when you were at Attari?”, Malhotra allegedly responded that no such treatment was observed. Hasan hinted that identifying those who receive protocol is a method used to spot intelligence personnel. Malhotra replied, “They weren’t that stupid.”
Investigators are now probing whether Malhotra knowingly collaborated with ISI or was unknowingly manipulated as part of a broader espionage and influence operation. Authorities are also examining her connections with Pakistani officials, particularly Ehsan Dar alias Danish — a Pakistani High Commission official who was recently declared persona non grata by India on May 13.
Malhotra first traveled to Pakistan in 2023 for the 324th Vaisakhi Festival. Since then, her continued interactions with Pakistani individuals have come under intense scrutiny. Though she initially denied having links with Ehsan Dar, officials allege she has been evasive during questioning and has attempted to mislead investigators.
Apart from her travel-related YouTube content, Malhotra recently drew controversy when she posted a video after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which she blamed Indian security forces — further fueling concerns of her involvement in cross-border propaganda or influence operations. Intelligence officials are now exploring the possibility that she may be a part of a larger spy network orchestrated by Pakistan.
