Investigating the connection between Odisha Youtuber and “Pakistan spy” Jyoti Malhotra: Police

Odisha police have begun investigating the so-called link between YouTuber and Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested for passing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence personnel, an officer said on Sunday. Police found that Malhotra, which runs YouTube channel, traveled with Jo and hailed from Hisar yals in Haryana, who visited Puri in September 2024 and contacted a woman in the coastal town, Puri Sp Vinit Agrawal said.

Jyoti’s YouTube channel and Instagram account have 377,000 subscribers and 133,000 followers, respectively, allegedly contacting Pakistani staff who work for the Delhi High Commissioner for Pakistan. On May 13, India expelled Pakistani officials on suspicion of being addicted to espionage.

Recently, Puri’s women also went to Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, Pakistan, in Qatar, SP said.
“We found out that Jyoti Malhotra visited Puri last year and we are verifying the facts. More things can be shared after verification,” Agraval said.

Asked if the woman in Puri shared intelligence with Malhotra, Agrawal said: “The Haryana police are investigating the matter and we are providing them with the help they need.”

Puri SP said police are also “checking Malhotra’s targets to visit Puri” and trying to find out “where she lives, where she contacts her, and any possible suspicious activity.” Responding to reporters’ questions, he said: “We are in touch with various central agencies and Haryana police. We will share details with the media after verification on the spot.” Odisha police did not disclose Puri Youtuber’s investigation into the matter.

Puri Youtuber’s father said police asked her daughter on Saturday and sought some information.

A group of police officers visited the woman’s residence in Puri to investigate the matter.

He said: “My daughter was in contact with Jyoti Malhotra because both are YouTubers. With the friendship they have built up, Malhotra visited Puri. Since this is a national security issue, proper investigation should be conducted. We will work with the police.”

Puri Youtuber’s father said: “My daughter and another friend were not a pilgrimage trip three to four months ago to visit Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Puri’s woman said in a social media post: “Jyoti is just a friend of mine and I contacted her via YouTube. I don’t know anything she’s accused of. If I knew she was monitoring her for her enemy Pakistan, I wouldn’t be in touch with her.”

“If any investigative agency wants to cross the issue, I will provide comprehensive cooperation. The country is most important. Jai Hind,” she wrote on an Instagram post.