Jyoti Malhotra, also known as Jyoti Rani, is a 33-year-old Indian travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, who gained fame through her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo.”
With over 377,000 YouTube subscribers and 132,000 Instagram followers, she built a reputation as a vibrant storyteller, documenting her journeys across India and abroad, including Pakistan.
| Profession(s) | Hometown |
|---|---|
| Youtuber | Haryana, India |
Jyoti Malhotra Biography
| Real Name | Jyoti Malhotra (also known as Jyoti Rani) |
| Age | 33 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Travel Vlogger, YouTuber |
| YouTube Channel | Travel with Jo |
| Subscribers | 377,000+ |
| Instagram Handle | @travelwithjo1 |
| Instagram Followers | 132,000+ |
| Birthplace | Hisar, Haryana, India |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | Khatri |
| Nationality | Indian |
Early Life & Background
Jyoti Malhotra, popularly known online as Jyoti Rani, was born in Hisar, Haryana. As of 2025, she is 33 years old. Though specific details about her school or college education are not publicly available, her content and communication style suggest a strong educational foundation.
Jyoti maintained a low profile when it came to her personal and family life. However, she often portrayed herself as a modern yet traditional woman, using terms like “purane khyalo ki modern ladki” and “nomadic Leo girl wanderer” to describe herself on social media.
Career as a Travel Vlogger
Jyoti started her YouTube journey in 2011 with her channel Travel with Jo. Over time, she posted nearly 500 videos, gathering over 5.3 million views.
Her travel content included journeys across:
- India
- Pakistan
- Indonesia
- China
One of her popular Shorts was about Hindu pilgrimage sites in Pakistan, posted in March 2025. These very travel vlogs later became part of an espionage investigation.
Her Instagram presence also grew rapidly with engaging reels, showcasing her passion for culture and exploration.
Espionage Allegations & Arrest
| Arrest Date | May 17, 2025 |
| Location | Hisar, Haryana |
| Case Type | Espionage (National Security) |
| Law Sections | Section 152 (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), Sections 3, 4, 5 (Official Secrets Act, 1923) |
Key Allegations:
- Pakistani Intelligence Links
Visited Pakistan in 2023 with help from commission agents. Allegedly met Ehsan-ur-Rahim (alias Danish), a Pakistani diplomat expelled from India in May 2025. - Secret Communications
Used WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat to talk to Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Saved one contact as “Jatt Randhawa”. - Leaking Sensitive Info
Accused of sharing Indian military and strategic details, endangering national security. - Personal Relationship
Allegedly had a romantic involvement with a PIO. They even traveled to Bali, Indonesia, together.
Jyoti was remanded to five days in police custody. The case has been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further investigation.
Public Reaction & Controversy
Her followers were stunned. Many expressed disbelief, saying she seemed harmless and cheerful. Others speculated she may have been emotionally manipulated.
A post on X (Twitter) highlighted that Jyoti was a non-Muslim YouTuber, possibly to prevent communal tensions. Despite being from the Hindu Khatri community, her religious or caste identity hasn’t influenced the legal proceedings.
Her YouTube and Instagram accounts remain online but are being closely monitored by authorities.
Conclusion
Jyoti Malhotra’s story is a cautionary tale. From being a respected travel influencer to a suspect in a high-profile espionage case, her fall from grace has stunned the nation.
This case raises serious questions about:
- Digital influencer accountability
- Cross-border online interactions
- National security in the social media era
As of now, Jyoti remains in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The final verdict could have long-term implications on digital freedom and intelligence regulations.
