Odisha YouTuber Priyanka Senapati under IB lens for ties with Pakistani 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra

Priyanka with Jyoti Malhotra

A day after Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra was arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, her Odisha-based friend and fellow content creator Priyanka Senapati has come under the scanner for her association with Malhotra and a recent trip to Pakistan, the Hindustan Times reported.

Priyanka, a resident of Puri and a student, had accompanied Jyoti to the Jagannath temple in September 2024. She also reportedly visited the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan 3–4 months ago. Authorities are now probing her connection with Malhotra and examining her international travels.

Puri, Odisha: YouTuber Priyanka Senapati's father says, "They became friends after coming on YouTube...I saw on TV yesterday that Jyoti Malhotra is a spy..." pic.twitter.com/PAZmTixqTE

IANS (@ians_india) May 18, 2025

According to Hindustan Times, Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal confirmed that an investigation into the matter is currently underway. He stated that the police are examining the case from all angles and are in coordination with the Intelligence Bureau, the state intelligence agency and the Haryana Police. Agrawal further added that the Odisha Police will extend support to the espionage investigation being conducted by the Haryana authorities, if required.

Priyanka, currently at her home in Puri, is being questioned. While no arrest has been made yet, officials indicated that further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing verification.

Priyanka’s father, Rajkishore, stated that his daughter was unaware of Jyoti’s alleged spying activities. “My daughter Priyanka is a YouTuber and she had come in contact with Jyoti, who had visited Puri in September 2024. I have no idea where Jyoti stayed. She had not visited our house,” he was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying. He added that many YouTubers have visited Kartarpur and that Priyanka had traveled there with valid documents.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Priyanka wrote: “Jyoti was just a friend I met through content creation. I’m shocked by the news of her arrest. I’m cooperating with authorities and will assist further if needed.”

Jyoti Malhotra, known online as ‘Travel with Jo’, has been arrested along with six others for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. With over 3.7 lakh YouTube subscribers and 1.3 lakh Instagram followers, Malhotra had gained popularity through her travel content. Her visits to Pakistan and Pahalgam are now under investigation, as authorities suspect she may have been groomed by Pakistani handlers over time.