IB Grills Puri YouTuber Over Alleged Links to Spy Accused Jyoti Malhotra
Priyanka Senapti questioned after Malhotra’s visit to Odisha raised concerns of possible information leaks to Pakistan.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB), in coordination with Puri Police, has reportedly questioned Puri-based content creator Priyanka Senapti over her alleged links with arrested Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and the possible leak of sensitive information from Odisha. Malhotra is facing charges of spying for Pakistan.
According to reports, Jyoti Malhotra, who had built a significant following on social media, allegedly passed sensitive information about the Indian Armed Forces to Pakistani handlers. Investigators believe she had been engaged in espionage activities for years, acting as a conduit for leaking confidential military and national security data.
Malhotra and six others were arrested by Hisar Police following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. During the investigation, it emerged that she had visited Puri in September 2024, where she reportedly captured images and videos near the Jagannath Temple and other key locations. This raised alarms within security circles amid concerns that sensitive visuals and geospatial data may have been transmitted to foreign intelligence operatives.
In response, the IB launched a parallel probe in Odisha. As part of this, Priyanka Senapti was summoned for questioning regarding her association with Malhotra. Investigators are exploring whether she was knowingly involved or unknowingly drawn into the alleged information chain. Communication records, online interactions, and possible data exchanges are currently under close scrutiny.
Security sources further suspect that Malhotra may have used advanced digital tools during her Odisha visit to collect and transmit strategic data. Given Puri’s proximity to several government and defence installations, agencies are working to determine whether any critical information was compromised.
Responding on social media, Priyanka Senapti stated: “Jyoti was a professional acquaintance I met through YouTube. I had no knowledge of her alleged activities. Had I known, I would have severed all ties immediately. I will fully cooperate with the investigation.”
Former Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik termed the case “sensitive” and said investigators would focus on mapping Malhotra’s network.
“Authorities will thoroughly examine her digital devices and trace her contacts. In the past, SIM box rackets have been busted in Odisha, so every possible link will be investigated,” he said.
With the probe widening, security agencies remain on high alert. More arrests and disclosures are expected in the coming days.