Travel blogger with smartphones, internet connections and evil designs, that’s all about launching a psychological war on the enemy. The arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, allegedly modified by Pakistani spy agencies as assets, has raised concerns about how to attract influential people to deceive public opinion. This is not just jyoti; authorities suspect others may also be in the wage world of enemy countries.
Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan confirmed in an interview with the Hyderabad Chronicle that jyoti was developed as a Pakistani asset. “She keeps in touch with other YouTube influencers. They are also in touch with Pios. It’s also (a kind of) war, and they try to push their narrative by recruiting influencers.” While currently, Haryana police interrogate jyoti with central agencies, Shashank added that his team is reviewing her financial transactions and travel history. He added: “She has known sources of income that can’t justify her foreign travel. On the surface, she’s just a travel blogger.”
Jyoti’s pak link
Jyoti, who has 385,000 subscribers on its YouTube channel “With Jo”, visited about eight countries, including China and Pakistan. In 2023, she obtained a 10-day visa for Pakistan. A man named Danes allegedly directed her to meet with his friend Ali Ahwaan, who arranged for travel and accommodation. Jyoti joined the high-profile political party and continued to communicate with the Danes, whose operations in India began in four days of military conflict and previously served on the Pakistani High Commissioner Committee in New Delhi. According to police, she was systematically used as an asset.
Rising attention
“In today’s hyperconnected world, information is power – unfortunately, misinformation is a weapon,” said Riya Pawar, an influential and digital creator. She noted that senior officials like the public alerts raised by Hisar SP should make everyone (creators, consumers and platforms) pause for reflection. “It’s not just trolling or random publicity; it’s a form of digital warfare.”
The enemy’s narrative
“YouTubers are no longer content creators – they are cultural shapers, influencers with opinions and millions of news sources. The impact of manipulating YouTubers is more dangerous than rogue news channels.” When asked if the government can control YouTubers, Riya said the answer lies in punishment and prevention. “Yes, the government should decisively fight Youtubers who are interested in helping the enemy propaganda. National security is not commercially acceptable.” She also called for cooperation with moral influencers. She added: “Not every creator intends to harm, but ignorance or greed can be equally dangerous. We need more creators who value truth with trends, scope of responsibility and patriotism rather than profits.”
Obsession with viruses
Animal rights activist and influencer Zabi Khan agreed that, while jyoti’s actions seem to contribute to anti-national interests, generalization must be avoided. “The problem is not only people like her, but also growing obsession with the virus. People are risking their lives, dangerous stunts or making outrageous remarks just to attract online attention.” Zabi emphasizes that the burden of responsibility lies in society as well. “It’s in us – citizens – reflect on what we watch, what we share, and the people who improve.
Action has consequences
Filmmaker, actor, writer and photographer Rakesh Anand Bakshi feels that for influencers, their image is their job. But this brings responsibility. “When chasing your goal, if you forget principles like ‘family first, society and nation’, then you’re on the road to destruction,” he said.
