Jyoti Malhotra’s Odisha Link: Police Grill Puri-Based YouTuber, Check Guest House
Indian authorities are actively investigating the connections between Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested on espionage charges, and Puri-based content creator Priyanka Senapati. The probe focuses on potential links to a broader spy network allegedly associated with Pakistan’s intelligence services.
Background on Jyoti Malhotra
Jyoti Malhotra, known for her travel channel “Travel with Jo,” was arrested in Hisar, Haryana, on May 16, 2025, for allegedly transmitting sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence. Investigations have revealed her interactions with Pakistani operatives, including a Pakistani High Commission employee named Danish, who was expelled from India on espionage allegations. Authorities are scrutinizing her international travels, including visits to Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and Dubai, as well as her financial transactions, which reportedly do not align with her known income sources.
Connection to Priyanka Senapati
Priyanka Senapati, a 21-year-old YouTuber from Puri, Odisha, came into contact with Malhotra through YouTube. In September 2024, Malhotra and her mother visited Puri, staying at the Sri Jagannath Ballav Bhakta Nivas. During this visit, Malhotra and Senapati collaborated on vlogs featuring local tourist spots. Senapati later uploaded a video documenting her own trip to Pakistan’s Kartarpur Corridor, which has drawn additional scrutiny.
Ongoing Investigation
Odisha Police have been interrogating Senapati and her family, examining her social media activity, call records, financial transactions, and travel history. Senapati has expressed willingness to undergo a polygraph test and maintains that her association with Malhotra was purely professional. Authorities are also investigating whether any sensitive information was exchanged during their interactions.
Security Concerns at Jagannath Temple
Following Malhotra’s visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where she allegedly used a drone to capture aerial footage—a violation of the temple’s no-fly zone—the Chhatisa Nijog, a coalition of servitors’ associations, has raised security concerns. They have urged the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration to implement a Standard Operating Procedure to regulate devotees’ conduct and enhance security measures.
The investigation remains ongoing, with both state and central agencies collaborating to determine the extent of any espionage activities and connections.
Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, cultivated a lifestyle centered around exploration, digital storytelling, and cultural immersion. Through her YouTube channel, “Travel with Jo,” which amassed over 3.8 lakh subscribers, she shared her journeys across India and neighboring countries, presenting herself as a “Nomadic Leo Girl” and “Wanderer Haryanvi + Punjabi modern girl with old ideas” .
Travel and Content Creation
Malhotra’s content primarily featured solo travels to spiritual and culturally significant sites. She documented visits to Indian cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Vrindavan , as well as international destinations including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan . Her videos often highlighted local traditions, religious practices, and interactions with residents, aiming to provide viewers with immersive cultural experiences.
Social Media Presence
Beyond YouTube, Malhotra maintained an active presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, where she shared travel snippets, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal reflections. Her Instagram handle, ‘travelwithjo1’, garnered over 1.3 lakh followers, further establishing her as a prominent travel influencer.
Personal Life and Interests
Malhotra’s lifestyle was characterized by frequent travel, content creation, and engagement with diverse cultures. She often traveled solo, embracing the freedom and challenges it entailed. Her interests extended to spiritual exploration, as evidenced by her visits to various temples and religious sites.
Legal Troubles
In May 2025, Malhotra’s lifestyle came under scrutiny when she was arrested on charges of espionage for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigations revealed her interactions with Pakistani operatives and attendance at events hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi . Authorities allege that she used her influencer status and encrypted messaging platforms to pass on classified information .
