In a dramatic turn of events, a local court in Hisar, Haryana, on Monday ordered 14-day judicial custody for YouTuber Jyothi Malhothra, who is facing serious charges of espionage for Pakistan.
Malhothra, a social media personality with a sizable following, was produced before the court after the completion of her police remand. Initially held in police custody for five days following her arrest, her interrogation period was extended by an additional four days upon the request of the investigating officers.
After the nine-day custodial interrogation concluded last Thursday, Malhothra was again brought before the judge. Following legal arguments from both sides, the court ruled in favor of sending her to judicial custody for two weeks.
The arrest of Malhothra is part of a broader investigation into alleged cross-border intelligence activities. Authorities have so far apprehended more than ten individuals suspected of involvement in a network accused of gathering and leaking sensitive information to Pakistani handlers.
Sources familiar with the investigation suggest that the crackdown is ongoing, with digital footprints, communication records, and financial transactions under intense scrutiny. The case has sent shockwaves through digital circles and raised fresh concerns over the potential misuse of social media platforms in cyber-espionage operations.
