Fact-Check | Viral Claim: “YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Arrested for Spying for Pakistan’s ISI, Linked to Four Intelligence Officers”

Claim: A viral message claims that travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra from Haryana was arrested for spying for Pakistan’s ISI, had contact with four ISI agents, and was found with 12 TB of deleted data on her digital devices.

The Claim

Multiple social media posts and unverified news forwards claim the following:

• Jyoti Malhotra, a travel YouTuber from Haryana, was arrested for spying for Pakistan’s ISI.
• She had direct communication with four Pakistani intelligence agents: Danish, Ahsan, and Shahid, among others.
• 12 terabytes of data were recovered from her phone and laptop.
• She moved under heavy armed escort while in Pakistan.
• Her lifestyle raised suspicion of foreign funding.

The claim is being linked to national security concerns following India’s Operation Sindoor — a military strike in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Fact-Check

1. Was Jyoti Malhotra Arrested?

True.
Haryana Police confirmed the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber with over 400,000 subscribers, on May 15, 2025. She has been charged under the Official Secrets Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly engaging in activities that compromise India’s sovereignty.

2. Did She Communicate With ISI Agents?

Partially True, But Under Investigation.
According to Haryana Police statements and early forensic reports accessed by local media outlets, digital forensic analysis suggests communication with persons suspected to be Pakistani intelligence handlers. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the full identities or affiliations of the four men named (Danish, Ahsan, Shahid, and one unnamed).

Police have stated that further confirmation is awaited from central intelligence agencies.

3. Was 12 Terabytes of Data Retrieved From Her Devices?

Unverified.
This claim appears exaggerated. 12 TB is an unusually large volume of personal data for a single user, particularly from a travel vlogger. Cybersecurity experts point out that even with video files, such data storage would require enterprise-level backups.

Police officials have not officially confirmed the volume of recovered data, and such figures are likely speculative or inflated in viral posts.

4. Was She Aware She Was Speaking With ISI Agents?

Still Under Investigation.
While preliminary analysis from digital forensics indicates awareness, no official statement from the police has publicly confirmed Malhotra’s intent or state of mind. The charge under the Official Secrets Act suggests serious allegations, but intent and awareness will need to be proven in court.

6. Was She Escorted by Armed Men in Pakistan?

Video Verified, but Context Unclear.
A viral video from Scottish YouTuber Callum Mill shows Malhotra in Lahore’s Anarkali Bazar surrounded by six armed guards. Callum commented on her high security, but it is unclear whether this security was arranged by Pakistani officials, private agencies, or otherwise. Her multiple visits to Pakistan have come under scrutiny post-arrest.

Expert Insight

According to national security analysts:

• “Not every communication with a Pakistani citizen amounts to espionage. Intent, classified material handling, and transfer of sensitive information are critical factors under the Official Secrets Act.”
• Forensic reports will be key in determining whether Malhotra knowingly passed sensitive or strategic information.

Verdict: Partly True, Under Ongoing Investigation

While Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested and serious charges have been filed, many elements of the viral claim remain unconfirmed or exaggerated:

Why This Matters

The combination of national security threats and viral misinformation makes it vital for such sensitive stories to be verified via official channels. Amplifying unverified numbers or narratives can:

• Mislead the public
• Compromise legal proceedings
• Spark communal or international tensions