Jyoti Malhotra Case: Hisar Police Deny Diary Recovery, Rule Out Terrorism Connection

Hisar Police issued a definitive statement in the high-profile espionage case involving YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on May 16 in Hisar, Haryana, for allegedly sharing information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Superintendent of Police debunked media reports claiming the recovery of a personal diary from the 33-year-old travel vlogger, known for her YouTube channel ‘Travel with JO’ with over 400,000 subscribers. Crucially, police found no evidence linking Malhotra to terrorism or any terrorist organizations, despite her confirmed contact with a Pakistani High Commission official. 

Details of the Ongoing Investigation

The investigation revealed that Malhotra communicated with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission official expelled from India on May 13, 2025, for espionage activities. Their interaction began in 2023 during her visa application process. While she knowingly engaged with Pakistani operatives, police clarified there is no evidence of terror-related activities. Three mobile phones, a laptop, and other devices seized from Malhotra are under forensic analysis to examine her communications and financial transactions. A Kurukshetra-based visa agent, Harkirat Singh, was questioned, with two phones confiscated, but he has not been arrested. Central agencies are assisting Hisar Police, who retain custody of Malhotra. Her travel history, including multiple trips to Pakistan and one to China, is also under scrutiny, but no terror links have been established.

Addressing Misinformation and Public Reaction

Hisar Police’s statement aimed to counter rampant misinformation, including false claims of Malhotra’s religious conversion or marriage to a Pakistani operative.  Posts on X reflect public debate, with many echoing the police’s clarification that no diary was found and no terrorism connection exists. Authorities have called for restraint in circulating unverified details, emphasizing that forensic results will provide clarity. This case underscores the challenges of addressing espionage in the digital age, particularly involving influencers, as investigations continue to uncover the full truth behind Malhotra’s actions.