YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s Diary Recovered Amid Espionage Probe: Reveals Notes on Pakistan Visit, Coded Messages Suspected

In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation against Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, law enforcement agencies have recovered a personal diary that may offer crucial insights into her activities and foreign connections.

The handwritten diary, spanning 10 to 11 pages in Hindi and English, was seized from her residence in Hisar. Among the entries, one stands out — a reflective note written after a 10-day trip to Pakistan. It 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.”

The poetic tone of the entry has raised eyebrows among intelligence officials, who believe it could be a veiled message meant to disguise espionage-related communication. The diary also contains cryptic notes such as “Tell Savita to bring fruits” and lists of various medicines, which investigators suspect may be coded instructions or part of a communication method with handlers across the border.

Ongoing Investigations

Malhotra, who ran the YouTube channel Travel with JO, was arrested on May 16. She is one of 12 people detained across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with an alleged ISI-backed espionage ring. Authorities are examining her travel history, particularly her visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Kashmir — regions where she often posted vlogs under the pretext of tourism.

Sources confirmed she had established contacts near the sensitive Pakistan-Afghanistan border — a high-risk zone largely off-limits to civilians. Investigators are now exploring whether these visits were part of a larger network of intelligence-gathering operations.

Friend Under Scrutiny

Malhotra’s frequent travel companion, Priyanka Setupati from Puri, Odisha, has also come under the scanner. Setupati has reportedly been questioned about her knowledge of Malhotra’s interactions and her awareness of the nature of their trips, especially to Kashmir and Pakistan.

Pattern of Clandestine Behavior

The diary, now a key piece of evidence, is being analyzed for any patterns, coded language, or references to international handlers. Agencies believe some of the entries could reveal meeting points, delivery methods, or financial transactions. The content is being cross-checked with digital records and communication logs recovered from Malhotra’s devices.

A Network Unfolding

According to officials, the Pakistan-based intelligence agency ISI was attempting to recruit Indian nationals, including students and influencers, to gather sensitive information in exchange for financial rewards. Several of the arrested individuals are believed to have shared strategic details like Indian troop movement and critical infrastructure data.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other central intelligence units have now taken over parts of the case as the scope of the probe widens.

This high-profile case continues to expose the vulnerability of digital influencers being used for espionage under the guise of travel and content creation. More details are expected as digital forensics and interrogation reports emerge in the coming days.