Following the apprehension of social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra on charges of espionage for Pakistan, an official disclosed on Sunday the methods by which these influencers are enlisted for spying activities.
Shashank Kumar Sawan, the superintendent of police (SP) in Hisar, informed the media that intelligence agents from Pakistan are using Indian social media influencers to promote their agenda.
‘Modern warfare fought beyond border’
“Modern warfare is not only fought on the border. The PIOs are attempting to recruit various social media influencers, utilizing them to promote their agenda. We obtained information from the central agencies, and we apprehended Jyoti Malhotra. She had visited Pakistan several times and to China once. She was in touch with the PIOs. We have placed her under a 5-day police custody,” Sawan informed the press.
The police officer additionally disclosed that Jyoti Malhotra was reportedly in communication with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives amidst the recent tensions between the two nations, which heightened following India’s Operation Sindoor.
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“We are analysing her financial details. During the Indo-Pak conflict, she was in touch with the PIOs… Her travel details are defying her total income,” he added.
The Arrest of Jyoti
Travel blogger Jyoti Malhotra was detained for allegedly spying and transmitting sensitive information to Pakistani agents, marking the third arrest in Haryana this week following an agreement on a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Malhotra, who lives in Hisar, was apprehended after admitting to divulging sensitive information to operatives from Pakistan. She was arrested pursuant to Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act. She has been placed under police remand for five days.
An FIR was filed at the Hisar Civil Lines police station following a complaint made by sub-inspector Sanjay. As per the FIR, in 2023, the blogger went to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, where she interacted with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, an employee at the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in New Delhi.
