Travel Vlogger Arrested for Espionage: Pakistani Intelligence Officials Were Grooming Her as an "Asset"
A 34-year-old travel vlogger, Jyoti Rani, has been arrested by the Haryana Police on charges of espionage, and it has been revealed that she was being groomed by Pakistani intelligence officials as an "asset". According to Hisar Superintendent of Police, Shashank Kumar Sawan, Rani was in touch with the Pakistani officials during the Indo-Pak conflict and was being developed as an asset to counter India’s narrative against Pakistan and push through their own narrative.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Sawan said that Rani did not have direct access to sensitive information related to defence and military, but her location in Hisar made her a potential target for Pakistani intelligence officials. "Any information shared by her could seem small to us but could be of significance to the neighbouring country," he said. The police officer stated that modern warfare was not only fought at the border but also in the realm of social media, where influencers like Rani could be recruited to spread a particular narrative.
The investigation revealed that Rani was in touch with multiple YouTube influencers and attended social gatherings of Pakistani intelligence officials. She had also sponsored visits to Pakistan and met high-profile persons there. The police have some leads and are working on them to further investigate the case. When questioned about Rani’s visits to Pakistan and Pahalgam before the attack on tourists at the Baisaran valley, Mr. Sawan said that the police were trying to find out the links between her visits and the attack, if any.
The police are currently trying to seize Rani’s mobile phone and laptop to conduct a forensic examination and uncover the information she shared with Pakistani officials. Her travel details, financial transactions, and videos on her social media accounts are being analysed by multiple cyber and financial expert teams as part of the investigation, in close coordination with central agencies. The police are also trying to ascertain the source of her funds, as her travel details defy her known sources of income.
According to the Hindu, Rani was on the radar of intelligence agencies for a long time before her arrest on Friday, and her travels were being monitored. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to uncover the full extent of Rani’s involvement with Pakistani intelligence officials.
The case highlights the growing trend of social media influencers being targeted by foreign intelligence agencies to spread their narrative and gather information. As stated by the Hindu, it is a reminder that modern warfare is not just about military might but also about information warfare, where social media influencers can play a significant role.
The authorities have warned that they will take strict action against anyone found to be involved in espionage or spreading misinformation. The case is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Rani’s activities and her alleged involvement with Pakistani intelligence officials. As reported by the Hindu, it will be interesting to see how the investigation unfolds and what further revelations come to light.
