No Incriminating Evidence Found Against YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Over Mahakal Temple Visit, Say Police
Ujjain/Hisar | May 23, 2025 —In a significant update to the ongoing espionage probe, the Madhya Pradesh Police have reported no incriminating evidence against Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra related to her visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, quelling speculations around her intentions during the religious trip.
Malhotra, a popular travel vlogger behind the YouTube channel "Travel with JO", was arrested on May 16 from New Aggarsain Extension, Hisar, on allegations of spying for Pakistan. Her arrest is part of a broader counter-intelligence operation investigating an alleged spy ring operating across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with 12 individuals detained so far.
MP Police: “Nothing Suspicious in Temple Visit”
A five-member Madhya Pradesh Police team was dispatched to Hisar earlier this week after it emerged that Malhotra had visited the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in April 2024. She had posted pictures and videos of the visit on her social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube.
However, Ujjain Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nitesh Bhargava confirmed to PTI that their inquiry yielded no suspicious activity.
“She waited in line like any other devotee and had darshan of the deity,” Bhargava said. “So far, we haven’t found anything incriminating related to her Ujjain visit. The questioning was a precautionary measure. What harm was there in that?”
The sensitive nature of the Mahakal Temple, which sees thousands of domestic and international visitors daily, prompted law enforcement agencies to verify her visit.
Arrest Under Espionage Charges
Jyoti Malhotra has been booked under the Official Secrets Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She remains in police custody in Hisar, where she is being interrogated by multiple agencies, including intelligence units.
According to initial reports, Malhotra was allegedly in contact with individuals across the border, and investigators are now analyzing her digital footprint, financial transactions, and travel history. However, officials have not disclosed any direct evidence of espionage beyond general suspicion and preliminary leads.
Broader Crackdown on Spy Network
Malhotra’s arrest is one part of a larger crackdown on an alleged Pakistan-backed espionage network targeting strategic and civilian locations in northern India. Over the past two weeks, dozens of individuals have been questioned, with 12 arrests confirmed, including defense contractors, civilian informants, and digital influencers.
While authorities remain tight-lipped about the exact scope of the network, officials have indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in gathering sensitive visuals, troop movement data, and infrastructure details, potentially for cross-border handlers.
Public Reaction and Concerns Over Digital Influence
The arrest of a well-known digital creator has triggered a storm on social media, with many followers expressing disbelief. Malhotra had amassed over 200,000 subscribers on YouTube, known for her solo travel vlogs across India and Asia, including visits to temples, forts, and international destinations.
Experts are raising concerns about the potential misuse of travel vlogging as a cover for surveillance in an era where even casual footage can reveal strategic information.
Authorities Urge Caution, Emphasize Transparency
In the wake of Malhotra’s arrest, law enforcement agencies have advised content creators and influencers to follow legal protocols when filming or photographing sensitive locations. Authorities reiterated that while freedom of expression is protected, national security remains paramount.
“The public must understand that temples like Mahakal are not just religious sites — they are also high-security zones, especially given the geopolitical climate,” said an official familiar with the case.
What’s Next?
The case is still under investigation, and Jyoti Malhotra’s role—if any—in the alleged espionage plot remains under scrutiny. For now, the Madhya Pradesh Police’s clean chit regarding her Mahakal Temple visit provides a temporary reprieve from one angle of the case.
More clarity is expected as forensic teams examine her devices, communication history, and overseas contacts.
Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for exclusive updates on this developing story.
