Exclusive: From Vaisakhi in Pak to espionage: How Jyoti Malhotra became a security threat
What began as travel vlogging under the garb of a spiritual journey to the holy sites of Sikhism has spiralled into a troubling case of digital warfare and espionage. Jyoti Malhotra, who first visited Pakistan in 2023 during the 324th Vaisakhi Festival, is now under investigation by Indian intelligence agencies for allegedly aiding cross-border influence operations.According to exclusive investigation documents seen by India Today TV, Jyoti Malhotra's participation in the religious trip was first facilitated by Harkirat Singh, a key coordinator known for taking Sikh jathas (pilgrim groups) to Pakistan via the official corridor.advertisementHarkirat Singh, who has organised several such pilgrimages, particularly around Vaisakhi - a major Sikh religious festival - is now under scrutiny for allegedly introducing Jyoti Malhotra and others to individuals in the Pakistan establishment. When Jyoti Malhotra failed to get clearance for the Vaisakhi trip in 2023, she was allegedly introduced to Ehsan alias Danish.VAISAKHI TRIPS AND FIRST CONNECTIONEach year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims travel to Pakistan's holy sites - Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, Panja Sahib and Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore - through an arrangement between the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Pakistan's Evacuee Trust Property Board.It was during the preparation for one such journey that Jyoti Malhotra first met Ehsan alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission official later declared persona non grata by India on May 13.advertisementHer second visit to the 325th Vaisakhi Festival in April 2024 triggered further concern. Not only did she return to Pakistan, but she also overstayed by more than a month - from April 17 to May 25. Investigators believe this period marked her deeper involvement in a Pakistani influence network operated through diplomatic and digital channels.FROM PILGRIMAGE TO PROPAGANDA WARIntelligence inputs suggest Jyoti Malhotra, who runs a travel-focused YouTube channel, became a part of a covert influence campaign that involved portraying Pakistan in a highly positive light. Her videos praising Pakistan's hospitality, infrastructure and culture were seen as components of a modern psychological warfare strategy - an attempt to shape public opinion through soft power.These curated narratives deliberately downplayed geopolitical tensions and were aimed at building sympathy for Pakistan, particularly among India's digital youngsters. Experts believe such content is part of a broader disinformation tactic used in modern hybrid warfare.VISA EXTENSION-TURNED-TRAPJyoti Malhotra's attempt to secure a visa extension for one of her Pakistan trips became the turning point. Intelligence sources confirm that Harkirat Singh introduced her to Ehsan alias Danish, a mid-level official at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.Ehsan, officially named Ehsan Dar, was operating under diplomatic cover but was suspected by Indian agencies of acting as an ISI intelligence coordinator. His role: identifying and cultivating 'soft targets' - individuals with social reach or influence - to embed in strategic information operations.WHO IS EHSAN DAR?advertisementEhsan Dar was posted as consular and cultural staff at the Pakistan High Commission. Internal surveillance flagged his consistent interactions with influencers, journalists and YouTubers. His method relied on visa help, cultural liaisons or interviews to develop rapport and gain influence.He was expelled on May 13, declared persona non grata for engaging in activities "incompatible with his diplomatic status" - a term typically used for espionage.JYOTI MALHOTRA: A SOFT TARGETRaised by her father as a single parent, Jyoti Malhotra did various small jobs in Delhi until she lost her employment during the Covid-19 pandemic. She then started a vlogging channel, which gained traction.During this period, she came into contact with Ehsan, who initially offered small perks and support and what now appears to be strategic grooming.Her subsequent trips and growing digital footprint showed signs of influence. Investigators say Ehsan and his team suggested content ideas and messaging, guiding her toward topics that subtly criticised Indian policies while glorifying Pakistan. Her tone shifted from travel enthusiasm to a more ideological narrative, aligning closely with Pakistani propaganda.advertisementTHE PAHALGAM VIDEO: A CASE STUDY IN INFO WARFAREAmong the digital evidence, one particular video is under close examination. Uploaded after the Pahalgam terror attack, Jyoti Malhotra's video pinned the blame on Indian security agencies, ignoring mounting evidence pointing to cross-border terror groups.Officials believe that this video exemplified modern information warfare. By redirecting blame internally, such narratives erode public trust in national institutions.In Jyoti Malhotra's case, the video was being treated not as poor judgment, but as part of a structured disinformation strategy and will likely serve as key case evidence.A WIDENING NETFollowing her extended stay in Pakistan, Jyoti Malhotra visited several other countries - China, Nepal, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bhutan, according to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report accessed by India Today TV. Each of these trips is now being reviewed in light of her links to Ehsan and her digital messaging patterns.Her visit to Kashmir in November 2024 also drew attention. Her final recorded Pakistan trip took place in March 2025, just two months before Ehsan was expelled.Investigators have seized her digital devices, uncovering encrypted chats, coordination cues, and content aligning with Pakistani narratives. Her case is now being studied as a template of modern influence operations.advertisementTHE BIGGER PICTUREJyoti Malhotra's story has become a cautionary tale in the era of digital espionage. With influencers, vloggers and journalists increasingly shaping public opinion, intelligence agencies are shifting focus to the soft-power battleground of online influence.Her case highlights how modern-day espionage no longer depends solely on stolen documents or secret cameras. It now unfolds on YouTube thumbnails and Instagram reels.Must Watch
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