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What started as an innocent journey across borders has now turned into a national security scandal. Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, known for her travel channel ‘Travel with JO’, is now at the center of a major espionage investigation. Arrested on May 16 from Hisar, Malhotra is among 11 individuals taken into custody from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly being part of a Pakistan-linked spy network.
The Diary That Could Hold the Truth
In a major breakthrough, investigators recovered Malhotra’s personal diary — a small notebook believed to hold key details of her overseas travels and suspicious activities. The 10–11 page diary includes eight pages of travel reflections written in English and three pages in Hindi, specifically detailing her thoughts after a 10-day trip to Pakistan.
One particularly striking Hindi entry reads:
"After completing a 10-day journey through Pakistan, today I return to my country, India. We don't know how long the distances of borders will remain, but may the grievances of hearts disappear. We all belong to the same land, the same soil."
Authorities believe these writings may provide insights into her mindset and motivations, and possibly hint at deeper ideological or operational links.
Digital Trail and Deceptive Travels
Malhotra was known to work late into the night editing vlogs and often misled her family about her travel plans, claiming to be headed to Delhi while visiting other undisclosed locations. Her content portrayed a luxurious travel lifestyle, including a high-end trip to Bali.
A Network Unravelling
Police are now examining her travel footage, especially from Kashmir, where she frequently collaborated with Priyanka Senapati from Odisha. Senapati has already been questioned by intelligence agencies.
Family in Shock, Authorities on Alert
Following her arrest, Malhotra's family has taken down her photos from their home, with her father reportedly devastated and unwilling to comment. She remains in five-day custody under interrogation by a joint team from the NIA, IB, and Haryana Police. Investigators are closely examining her financial records and travel patterns, with her diary possibly holding the key to unraveling the full scope of this alleged espionage web.
