Hisar, India – May 27, 2025 – The espionage case involving YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra is rapidly evolving, with Haryana Police intensifying their investigation following the recovery of critical data from her mobile devices. Malhotra was arrested earlier this month on charges of spying for Pakistan, and authorities now claim to have found potentially incriminating evidence during forensic analysis.
Deleted Mobile Data Yields Suspected ISI Connections
According to police sources, digital forensic experts were able to retrieve deleted data from Malhotra’s smartphones. This data allegedly includes conversations with individuals believed to be associated with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Among the names recovered, one stands out—a suspected operative named ‘Danish’, reportedly stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.
The police say the nature of the messages and video transfers found on her devices could point to a more complex web of foreign intelligence activity. WhatsApp chats, call logs, and media files are now central to the investigation.
Laptop Analysis Still Pending
Alongside three mobile phones, police also seized a laptop, which has been sent to a digital forensic lab in Madhuban, Karnal. While much of the mobile data has been recovered, investigators are awaiting the results of the laptop analysis, which they believe could uncover more links to foreign handlers or sensitive information transfers.
Investigation Expands Beyond Haryana
What began as a localized investigation has now grown to a multi-state probe. Police teams from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have traveled to Hisar to question Malhotra. Authorities from Goa and UP have specifically sought details about the locations featured in videos uploaded to her YouTube channel.
The primary focus of questioning has shifted from content creation to potential covert surveillance. Investigators suspect Malhotra’s travel videos may have doubled as intelligence-gathering missions in sensitive regions, disguised under the pretense of vlogging.
Police Custody Reveals More Layers
Malhotra was taken into custody on May 22, with the court initially granting a seven-day police remand, later revised to four days. During this period, she underwent intense interrogation and her electronic devices were thoroughly examined.
With her remand period now over, the police face a decision: seek an extension or move her into judicial custody. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of requesting a third remand as new evidence continues to emerge.
Foreign Travel and Financial Scrutiny Raise Red Flags
Investigators are also looking into Jyoti Malhotra’s international travel history, which includes visits to Pakistan, Dubai, Thailand, and China—countries that are under watch in intelligence circles. The nature and frequency of these trips have raised concerns, particularly regarding how an independent content creator could afford such travel.
Authorities are now examining the bank accounts of Malhotra and her father, where they claim to have found suspicious financial transactions. These entries are currently under review to trace their source and intended purpose. Banks have been asked to provide official transaction reports.
Central Agencies Join SIT in High-Level Probe
The case is being led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Hisar Police, which includes senior officers such as a DSP, the SHO of Civil Lines Station, and officials from the Economic Offences Wing. In parallel, central intelligence and security agencies have begun their own lines of inquiry, signaling the potential national security implications of the case.
Investigators are monitoring Malhotra’s social media activity and YouTube channel, reviewing the locations featured in her videos and tracking her digital interactions. Authorities are particularly focused on whether she shared any information related to India’s sensitive or strategic areas.
What’s Next?
As the investigation deepens, officials are preparing for possible legal action under national security laws. Whether Malhotra acted independently or as part of a larger network is yet to be confirmed. However, law enforcement is clear: if this is a case of espionage, they intend to uncover every layer.
The case continues to draw national attention, and further developments are expected as forensic reports and bank analyses are completed.