Espionage Case: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Moves Court, Seeks Regular Bail

Espionage Case

Social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra moved a regular bail application on Tuesday before Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Sunil Kumar, her counsel Kumar Mukesh confirmed.

The court has asked the police to file their response by June 11.

On June 9, the court extended Malhotra’s judicial custody and set the case’s next hearing for June 23. The 33-year-old YouTuber, known for her channel “Travel with JO,” appeared via video conference.

Arrest & Remand History

May 16: Arrested by Hisar Police on suspicion of espionage under the Official Secrets Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

May 16–21: Held in police remand for five days, then extended by 4 days for further questioning.

May 26: Placed in 14 days’ judicial custody.

Espionage Allegations

Authorities allege Malhotra had been in contact since November 2023 with Ehsan-ur-Rahim (alias Danish), a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission expelled by India on May 13 for espionage activities. While no evidence has surfaced that she accessed military or defence secrets, police claim Pakistani intelligence operatives were grooming her as an asset.

Court’s Consideration

In her bail petition, Malhotra’s lawyer will argue factors such as her local residency, community ties, and absence of any prior criminal record. The prosecution is expected to counter with the gravity of the espionage charge and the ongoing investigation’s needs.

The matter will return to court on June 23 to determine whether Malhotra can be granted bail while the probe continues.