YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s arrest for spying for Pakistan: IB questions Puri-based creator over ‘possible links’

A sensational espionage case has come to light with the arrest of popular YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra in Haryana on charges of spying for Pakistan. The case has taken a deeper turn as the Intelligence Bureau (IB), in collaboration with Puri Police, has reportedly interrogated Priyanka Senapti, a YouTuber based in Puri over her suspected links with Jyoti Malhotra and whether there was some leak of sensitive information from Odisha.

According to official sources, Jyoti Malhotra, who had gained substantial popularity on social media platforms, was allegedly involved in sharing confidential information about the Indian Armed Forces with the enemy nation, Pakistan. The investigation suggests that Malhotra had been engaged in espionage activities for several years, acting as a conduit for passing on sensitive military and national security data.

The arrest of Jyoti, along with six others, was carried out by the Hisar Police following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. 

Jyoti Malhotra Visited Puri In September 2024

During the investigation, it came to light that Malhotra had visited Puri in September 2024. During his visit, she reportedly captured photographs and videos in and around the Jagannath Temple and other key locations, which has now raised serious concerns. Security agencies fear that sensitive visuals and geographical data related to strategically important areas may have been leaked to foreign intelligence handlers.

Also Read: Youtuber Jyoti Malhotra's Puri Srimandir visit footage emerges amid espionage probe

IB Intensifies Probe Over Jyoti’s Links

This has prompted the IB to initiate a parallel inquiry in Odisha. A young woman YouTuber from Puri has been questioned regarding her association with Jyoti Malhotra. Officials are trying to determine whether she was directly involved or inadvertently became a link in the chain of information sharing. Sources say that the nature of their communication, social media interactions, and any data exchange between them are being thoroughly examined.

What has further intensified suspicion is the possibility that Jyoti, during his Odisha trip, might have used sophisticated digital tools to gather and transmit information. The agencies are now trying to assess whether any classified data from the temple city or nearby locations may have been compromised, especially considering the proximity of several government and military facilities.

Priyanka Clarifies

In a social media post, Priyanka has clarified that, “Jyoti was just a friend of mine and I came in contact with her through YouTube. I was unaware of anything which she is accused of. I would not have been touch with her if I knew she was spying for enemy country.”

Priyanka further wrote, “ I knew her professionally through content creation and personally shocked to hear this. If any investigation wish to cross question, I would provide full cooperation.” 

This case underscores the growing threat of cyber and information-based espionage using social media and content-sharing platforms as covert mediums. The involvement of seemingly regular social media influencers in such serious crimes has sent shockwaves across the security establishment.

As the probe continues, more arrests and disclosures are expected in the coming days. The Central Intelligence agencies, along with state police, are on high alert and are taking all necessary steps to identify and dismantle any wider network linked to this espionage ring.

The incident has not only raised national security concerns but also highlighted the urgent need for stricter digital surveillance and vetting of social media influencers involved in content creation related to sensitive locations or institutions.

Former Police DG Sanjeev Marik said, “It is a sensitive case as Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested for spying for Pakistan. Officials will now try to ascertain her networks. Usually, different systems are used to set up contacts. Earlier, several SIM boxes were seized in Odisha. The officials will examine Jyoti’s gadgets, including mobile phone and laptop to ascertain more information.”