A high-profile espionage case has arisen following the arrest of popular YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra in Haryana on charges of spying for Pakistan. The investigation has expanded, with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) collaborating with Puri Police to interrogate Priyanka Senapti, a YouTuber based in Puri, regarding her potential connection to Malhotra and concerns about possible security breaches originating from Odisha.
Investigations have revealed that Malhotra visited Puri in September 2024, during which she reportedly recorded videos and took photographs around the Jagannath Temple and other strategically important locations.
Security agencies are now concerned that the visuals and geographical data captured during her visit may have been transmitted to foreign handlers, posing a threat to national security. The interrogation of Priyanka Senapti seeks to determine whether there was any direct or indirect collaboration or leakage of sensitive content related to Malhotra’s activities.
Footage of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s Visit to Puri’s Srimandir Surfaces
Following the arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra in an espionage case, video footage of her visit to Puri (Odisha) in September 2024 has emerged. This material has raised additional concerns among security agencies.
The visuals depict Malhotra walking near the Shree Jagannath Temple, strolling along the Bada Danda, and spending time at the Puri sea beach. While these scenes may seem ordinary, investigators are meticulously analysing the footage to ascertain whether this visit was part of a broader espionage operation.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that the videos show Malhotra capturing extensive visuals in and around the temple premises and nearby areas, leading to fears that sensitive strategic or cultural information may have been recorded and possibly transmitted to foreign handlers.
Given Puri’s religious, historical, and geographical significance, authorities are not discounting the possibility of a hidden agenda behind her travel. The Intelligence Bureau, in coordination with local police, continues to analyze the materials as part of the larger investigation into the alleged espionage network.
The emergence of this footage represents a critical development in the case, as investigators work to uncover the full extent of Malhotra’s activities and affiliations.
Priyanka Visited Kartarpur, Cooperating with Probe: Family
On Sunday, Rajkishore Senapati, Priyanka’s father, confirmed that local police had contacted him regarding a visit from investigating officials. “I received a call from the local police station on Saturday. Officials came and asked questions about Priyanka’s interactions with Jyoti Malhotra during her trip to Puri. We are fully cooperating, as this is a sensitive national security matter,” he stated.
According to Rajkishore, Priyanka, a student and content creator, developed a professional friendship with Jyoti Malhotra through their YouTube collaborations. “My daughter met Jyoti about a year ago, purely through their shared interest in travel content creation,” he explained. “She accompanied Jyoti around Puri during her visit in September 2024 but was unaware of any alleged espionage activities.”
Rajkishore also addressed reports about Priyanka’s recent visit to Kartarpur, Pakistan, clarifying, “Priyanka traveled to Kartarpur 3-4 months ago to create video content. She had proper documentation and was accompanied by another individual. Many YouTubers visit such places for content—this was a professional trip.”
He further clarified that Jyoti Malhotra never visited their home, and their interactions were strictly professional and limited. “Officials questioned both Priyanka and me, and we answered everything truthfully. If Priyanka had known about Jyoti’s intentions, she would never have maintained contact,” he emphasized.
In a social media post clarifying her relationship with Jyoti, Priyanka stated, “Jyoti was just a friend of mine whom I met through YouTube. I was unaware of any of the accusations against her. If I had known she was spying for an enemy country, I would not have stayed in touch with her.”
Priyanka continued, “I knew her professionally through content creation and was personally shocked to hear this. If any investigation wishes to question me, I will provide my full cooperation.”
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