A recent viral video has thrust Indian travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra into the spotlight, raising serious questions about her activities during a trip to Pakistan. Captured by Scottish YouTuber Callum Mill, the footage shows Malhotra walking through Lahore’s New Anarkali Bazaar accompanied by six men armed with AK-47 rifles.
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The Viral Video Incident
In March 2025, Callum Mill, who runs the YouTube channel “Callum Abroad,” was filming his experiences in Pakistan when he encountered Jyoti Malhotra. The video, later uploaded to his channel, depicts Malhotra engaging in casual conversation with Mill, expressing her enjoyment of Pakistani hospitality.
However, what caught Mill’s attention was the heavy security detail surrounding Malhotra. “She’s the one with the guys, with all the security. I don’t know why, what’s the need for all the guns?” Mill remarked in the video, noting the presence of six armed men in semi-formal attire with jackets labeled “No Fear.”
Background on Jyoti Malhotra
Jyoti Malhotra, a 34-year-old resident of Hisar, Haryana, is known for her travel vlogs under the channel “Travel with JO,” boasting over 380,000 subscribers. Her content often features visits to various countries, including Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
On May 16, 2025, Malhotra was arrested by Indian authorities on charges of espionage. She is accused of sharing sensitive information with operatives of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigations suggest that she established contact with an individual named Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi, during a visa application process in 2023.
Allegations and Investigations
Authorities allege that Malhotra maintained encrypted communications with multiple ISI operatives and visited Pakistan at least three times between 2023 and 2025. Reports indicate she traveled to Bali with one of her Pakistani contacts and was being cultivated as a Pakistani asset.
Investigations have also revealed that Malhotra’s lifestyle, including first-class travel, stays in luxury hotels, and dining at upscale restaurants, was inconsistent with her known income. Police suspect that her visits may have been sponsored, raising further concerns about the nature of her activities abroad.
Public and Legal Repercussions
The viral video and subsequent revelations have sparked widespread outrage in India. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the implications of Malhotra’s actions, and questions are being raised about the potential misuse of digital platforms for espionage activities.
Malhotra has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by the Hisar District Court. Investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), are examining her digital devices and financial records to uncover the extent of her involvement and identify any potential collaborators.
Broader Implications
The case has brought attention to the potential vulnerabilities in the digital influencer community, highlighting how social media platforms can be exploited for intelligence-gathering purposes. It underscores the need for increased awareness and scrutiny of online content creators, especially those with international engagements.
