The investigation into Youtuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, is uncovering layers of her network. Initial investigations reveal that Jyoti was not only in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives but also cultivated relationships with several young people within India.
Youtuber Jyoti Malhotra Case: The investigation into the espionage case involving Youtuber Jyoti Malhotra is progressing rapidly. Police have begun questioning individuals connected to her. Based on inputs from Hisar police, Priyanka Senapati, a Youtuber from Puri, Odisha, was questioned on Saturday. Reports indicate Priyanka is a close friend of Jyoti and has also previously visited Pakistan. Odisha police have launched a thorough investigation into their alleged relationship and the reasons behind their Pakistan trip.
Furthermore, the Hisar CIA team extensively questioned an employee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) from Kurukshetra who was also in contact with Jyoti. This employee was reportedly questioned for approximately 10-12 hours before being released on Sunday afternoon.
Pakistan Trip at the Center of Investigation
Jyoti Malhotra visited Pakistan in March 2024, including a visit to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara. Puri-based Youtuber Priyanka Senapati accompanied her on this trip. Following this revelation, Odisha police questioned Priyanka for approximately two hours. Priyanka stated she connected with Jyoti through YouTube and was unaware of any suspicious connections Jyoti had with Pakistan.
Extensive Interrogation of HSGPC Employee
Due to Jyoti's suspicious activities, the Hisar CIA interrogated an employee of the HSGPC (Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee) located in Kurukshetra district for over 10 hours. Sources suggest this employee came into contact with Jyoti during a trip to Pakistan sometime earlier, and digital communication occurred between them. Although released after questioning, he remains under surveillance.
High-Profile Lifestyle Raises Questions
Hisar SSP Shashank Kumar Sawan told the media on Sunday that Jyoti's YouTube channel, "Travel With Jo," speaks volumes about her lifestyle. Videos on the channel show Jyoti enjoying first-class air travel, luxury hotels, and exotic destinations. These expenses seem far beyond her income, raising suspicions of external funding.
Confirmed Link to Pakistani Embassy
A video has surfaced showing Jyoti attending an Iftar party at the Pakistani embassy in Delhi. The video shows her conversing with a man named Danish and his wife. According to reports, this same Danish was deported to Pakistan by the Indian government on May 13th on charges of espionage.
The investigation also revealed Jyoti's contact with a young man in Vrindavan. The army's intelligence agency contacted Vrindavan police and shared information about this young man. Reports suggest frequent phone conversations occurred between them, and call details are being scrutinized.
Cyber and Forensic Investigations Intensify
Jyoti's mobile phone and laptop have been seized for forensic analysis. Social media accounts, bank transactions, call records, and her entire digital footprint are being examined. With the assistance of central agencies, efforts are underway to determine what information Jyoti shared with Pakistan.
The SSP also stated that intelligence agencies had prior inputs about Pakistani agencies attempting to recruit Indian social media influencers. This plan was implemented through Jyoti, who became a soft target and part of their agenda.
