New Delhi: The initial interrogation of Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on espionage charges, has been completed. Teams from Haryana Police, Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and military intelligence have questioned her. Sources reveal that her confession strongly suggests she was working at the behest of Pakistan.
Key Findings from Jyoti’s Confession:
-
She runs a YouTube channel named “Travel With-Jo.”
-
Visited the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023 for a visa, where she met Danish (Ahsan-ur-Rahim), a Pakistan High Commission official.
-
Exchanged contact details with Danish and later traveled to Pakistan twice at his direction.
-
In Pakistan, she was introduced to Ali Hasan, who arranged her stay and facilitated meetings with Pakistani intelligence officers (Shakir & Rana Shahbaz).
-
Used encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram to stay in touch with her handlers.
-
Saved Shakir’s number under a fake name (“Jat Radhanash”) to avoid suspicion.
5-Day Custody: Critical Questions Raised
Jyoti was interrogated for five days, with agencies focusing on:
-
Her 2023 Pakistan Visit – Was it truly a “spiritual trip” or part of a pre-planned espionage operation?
-
Connection with Ahsan Danish – Who introduced them, and why?
-
Financial/Digital Support – Did she receive funds or instructions from Pakistani handlers?
-
Pahalgam Attack Video – Was her controversial video her own idea or scripted by handlers?
Broken Mobile Phone – A Major Lead
Investigators recovered a damaged mobile phone, now with forensic teams attempting data recovery. This could be a crucial piece of evidence. Jyoti will be presented in Hisar Court on Thursday.
12 Arrested So Far in Cross-State Spy Ring
Over the past 15 days, 12 individuals have been arrested in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for alleged links to a Pakistan-backed spy network active in North India.
Haryana Govt Cracks Down on Anti-National Social Media Activity
Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Mishra stated that multiple YouTube channels are under scrutiny for spreading anti-India propaganda. A dedicated surveillance cell has been set up to monitor suspicious online activities, with strict action promised against offenders.
Why This Matters:
-
National Security Threat: The case exposes Pakistan’s attempts to recruit Indian influencers for espionage.
-
Social Media Misuse: Highlights how fake accounts and misleading content are used to destabilize India.
-
Ongoing Investigation: More arrests and revelations expected as agencies dig deeper.
Stay updated for further developments on this high-profile spy case.