In a major security development, popular YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been arrested in Haryana on charges of spying for Pakistan, triggering a high-stakes investigation by national intelligence agencies. The Intelligence Bureau (IB), in coordination with the Puri Police, has now questioned Priyanka Senapti, a content creator from Puri, Odisha, for her possible connections with Malhotra.
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested in Haryana, accused of spying for Pakistan. The Intelligence Bureau and Puri Police interrogated Priyanka Senapti from Puri over links to Malhotra, probing potential leaks of sensitive data.
Sources reveal that Malhotra had visited Puri in September 2024, during which she allegedly filmed videos and took photographs around the Jagannath Temple and other prominent areas. These visuals, investigators fear, may have included sensitive or strategically significant data, raising concerns of potential leaks to foreign intelligence handlers.
With the proximity of military and government installations near Puri, the visit is now under intense scrutiny. Officials suspect that Malhotra may have used advanced digital tools to discreetly collect and transmit classified information during her trip.
A parallel probe has been launched in Odisha to verify whether Priyanka Senapti was knowingly involved in any information-sharing or if she was inadvertently used as part of a broader espionage operation. Authorities are examining communication records, social media activity, and possible data exchanges between the two.
In response, Priyanka issued a public clarification on social media:
“Jyoti was just a friend I met through YouTube. I had no knowledge of her involvement in any espionage activity. I’m personally shocked and would never have maintained contact had I known the truth. I am fully cooperating with the investigation.”
The case has set off alarm bells within India’s intelligence community, underscoring the growing use of social media and digital platforms for espionage. The involvement of influencers in such high-level security breaches is being treated with utmost seriousness.
As investigations widen, more arrests and revelations are anticipated. Central agencies and state police remain on high alert, determined to identify and dismantle any extended network tied to this suspected espionage ring.
Commenting on the case, former DGP Sanjeev Marik stated:
“This is a highly sensitive case. Jyoti Malhotra’s networks will be thoroughly traced. There have been earlier incidents involving SIM box rackets in Odisha. Her electronic devices—especially her phone and laptop—will be key to uncovering further details.”
This incident has not only stirred national security concerns but also highlighted the urgent need for tighter digital surveillance and stricter vetting of influencers who create content near strategically important or religious locations.
