Odisha Police Investigates YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's Connections After Arrest
Investigation Launched Following Arrest
The Odisha police have initiated an inquiry into the connections of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence agents. An official from the Odisha police confirmed the arrest. It was reported that Malhotra, a resident of Puri, had recently traveled to Kartarpur in Pakistan and met with individuals there.
According to Puri's Superintendent of Police, Vineet Agarwal, Malhotra, who operates a YouTube channel named 'Travel with Jyo', arrived in Puri in September 2024. During her visit, she reportedly interacted with a local female YouTuber.
Social Media Presence and Allegations
Malhotra boasts approximately 377,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and 133,000 followers on Instagram. She was allegedly in contact with a Pakistani employee working at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi, who has since been expelled for espionage activities. The Superintendent noted that the local female YouTuber had also visited the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan recently, and they are verifying the details of Malhotra's visit to Puri last year.
Ongoing Investigations
The Haryana police are currently investigating whether the local woman shared any classified information. They are also looking into the purpose of Malhotra's visit to Puri, including her accommodations and any potential suspicious activities. Various central agencies are collaborating with Haryana police to examine all aspects of the case. As of now, the identity of the local female YouTuber remains undisclosed.
The father of the local YouTuber mentioned that police had questioned his daughter on Saturday, seeking additional information. A police team has visited her residence in Puri as part of the investigation.
Father's Statement
The father of the local YouTuber stated that both women are YouTubers, which led to their acquaintance. He noted that their friendship developed over time, prompting Malhotra's visit to Puri. Given the sensitive nature of national security, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and expressed willingness to cooperate with the authorities. He clarified that his daughter had traveled to Kartarpur three or four months ago, but not with Malhotra; she was accompanied by another friend. He firmly denied any involvement of his daughter in anti-national activities and stated she had no knowledge of Malhotra's alleged espionage.
The local YouTuber herself asserted that Malhotra was merely a friend she met through YouTube. She expressed her ignorance regarding the allegations against Malhotra, stating that had she known about any espionage activities, she would not have engaged with her. She also mentioned her readiness to cooperate with any investigative agency that wishes to question her, emphasizing that the nation comes first.