YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Roamed With Armed Bodyguards In Pakistan, Knew She Was Communicating With ISI: Police

Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was fully aware that the Pakistani officials she was engaging with were linked to Pakistan's notorious spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), yet she displayed no fear.

This detail emerged during Haryana Police's forensic examination of the 33-year-old's electronic devices, following her arrest on charges of espionage for Pakistan.

Photo Credit: x.com/Travelwithjoo

Sources reveal that Malhotra had direct communication with four Pakistani intelligence operatives, including an individual named Danish, whom she encountered during a visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, along with two others identified as Ahsan and Shahid.

Investigators are currently working to verify the roles and designations of these individuals within Pakistan's security framework, reported NDTV.

The police earlier confiscated Malhotra's mobile phone and laptop. Despite numerous deleted messages and files, authorities managed to retrieve an enormous 12 terabytes of data, which is now under analysis for further evidence. This data, sources claim, confirms that Malhotra knew she was dealing with ISI agents and consciously maintained contact.

The travel vlogger, who runs a channel with 400,000 subscribers, has been booked under the Official Secrets Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to actions that compromise India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Investigators suggest that further charges may be forthcoming, based on the digital evidence.

Malhotra's extravagant travel and expenses, which far exceeded her apparent income, had already attracted scrutiny. Police sources indicate that Haryana authorities may now seek assistance from central agencies to trace her financial transactions.

Jyoti Malhotra was detained on 15 May, a week after India carried out retaliatory airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following the Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 civilians.

Her recent visits to Pakistan and China, coupled with her participation in high-profile Pakistani events and conspicuously lavish lifestyle, had raised red flags.

It has since emerged that Malhotra moved around Pakistan with heavily armed protection. A Scottish YouTuber, Callum Mill - known by his channel 'Callum Abroad' - who was visiting Pakistan in March, encountered her at Lahore's Anarkali Bazaar and was surprised by her security detail.

A video filmed by Callum shows men with firearms and jackets marked "No Fear" accompanying Jyoti Malhotra. She can be seen filming as well. Upon introduction, Jyoti asked Callum, "Is this your first visit to Pakistan?" to which he replied, "No, five times."

She then inquired whether he had visited India and introduced herself by saying, "India." When asked for her opinion on Pakistani hospitality, she responded, "It's great."

As Malhotra walked away, Callum remarked, "She's the one with the guys, with all the security. I don't know why, what's the need for all the guns? Look at all the guns she has got surrounding her. There are six gunmen surrounding her." Others, seemingly tourists, were also spotted in her company.

The Haryana Police are now probing why Malhotra received such VIP treatment and armed security in Pakistan.

The guards, who appeared in civilian clothing, are suspected to be plainclothes security operatives. Authorities are attempting to ascertain who authorised such protection for her during her visit.