Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber and social media influencer from Hisar, Haryana, is at the center of a growing espionage controversy after being arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Her custody has been extended by four days as investigators probe her alleged links to Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Allegations and Arrest
Malhotra was arrested after Hisar Police suspected that she was in contact with a Pakistani staff member working at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. According to officials, she is accused of passing on sensitive information to Pakistan — including blackout-related data during India’s precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ earlier this month.
Footage from Lahore Raises Eyebrows
Fresh suspicions have emerged following a video posted by Scottish YouTuber Callum Mill on his travel channel Callum Abroad. In the video, recorded in Anarkali Bazar, Lahore, Jyoti Malhotra is seen surrounded by at least six armed men.
Callum, who interacted briefly with her, expressed shock at the level of security accompanying her. “She’s the one with all the guys, all the security. Look at all the guns she has got surrounding her,” he commented in the video, suggesting the area or her presence there involved high-level risk or significance.
High-Profile Access in Pakistan
The video adds to the growing list of red flags around Malhotra’s repeated trips to Pakistan, where she was reportedly invited to exclusive events involving individuals from Pakistan’s security and intelligence networks. The identity and affiliation of the armed men seen escorting her are now under scrutiny.
Electronic Devices Seized
Hisar Police confirmed the seizure of:
- Three mobile phones
- One laptop
- Other electronic devices
Forensic analysis of the recovered data has been completed and submitted. The content from her devices reportedly supports allegations of sharing classified information. Additionally, a man named Harkirat from Kurukshetra has been summoned for questioning in connection with the case.
Next Steps
Jyoti Malhotra will be produced in court today, as her current police custody ends. Investigators continue to probe the scope of her alleged network and the extent of data shared, especially during times of heightened military activity between India and Pakistan.
This case is part of a larger national security concern following recent tensions between the two nations, notably after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Authorities are likely to press for judicial custody next as they deepen the probe into cross-border espionage and digital intelligence leaks.
