Six Indian citizens, including a travel blogger from Haryana, have been detained for reportedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani agents. The network extended through Haryana and Punjab, with essential operatives serving as agents, financial channels, and informants.
Among those charged is Jyoti Malhotra, who ran the YouTube channel “Travel with Jo”. Officials disclosed that she traveled to Pakistan in 2023 after obtaining a visa via commission agents. While on her journey, she developed strong bonds with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, who works at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
Danish expelled from Pak High Commission in May 2023
Danish, who has since been deemed persona non grata by the authorities and expelled on May 13, 2025, reportedly introduced Jyoti to several Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).
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On social platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat, Jyoti kept communicating with operatives, including Shakir known as Rana Shahbaz, whose contact she saved as “Jatt Randhawa.”
She reportedly disclosed sensitive details about Indian sites and was utilized to promote a favorable view of Pakistan on social media. Authorities indicate that she additionally became involved in an intimate relationship with a PIO and even went to Bali, Indonesia with him. While Danish was in Delhi, she kept in touch with him, thereby increasing suspicions further.
Jyoti booked under Section 152 of BNS
Jyoti faces charges under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act of 1923. A written admission has been acquired, and the case has been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing in Hisar.
Besides Jyoti, another main suspect is Guzala, a 32-year-old widow hailing from Malerkotla, Punjab. On February 27, 2025, Guzala went to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to seek a visa.
There, she encountered Danish and started interacting with him frequently. Danish quickly convinced her to change from WhatsApp to Telegram, asserting it was more secure. He earned her trust by vowing to marry her, starting a romantic relationship via chats and video calls.
