Odisha YouTuber Under Scrutiny in Connection to Alleged Pakistani Espionage Case
Puri-based YouTuber Priyanka Senapati has come under investigation by Odisha Police due to her association with Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Senapati, known for her travel content on her YouTube channel ‘Prii_vlogs,’ which has 14,600 subscribers and 20,000 Instagram followers, is being examined for her ties to Malhotra, who is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani authorities.
The investigation intensified after it was revealed that Senapati and Malhotra traveled together to Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where a terrorist attack killed 26 tourists in April. Additionally, Senapati visited the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan three to four months ago, a trip documented in a March 25 video titled “Odia Girl in Pakistan | Kartarpur Corridor Guide | Odia Vlog.” Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal confirmed that authorities are thoroughly probing Senapati’s relationship with Malhotra and her travel history, particularly her visit to Kartarpur.
Senapati has publicly addressed the allegations, stating on Instagram that her connection with Malhotra was purely professional and formed through their shared interest in YouTube content creation. “Jyoti was just a friend of mine, and I came in contact with her through YouTube. I was unaware of anything which she is accused of. I would not have been in touch with her if I knew she was spying for enemy Pakistan,” she wrote. She expressed shock at the accusations and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Rajkishore Senapati, Priyanka’s father, that his daughter met Malhotra about a year ago due to their mutual involvement in travel vlogging. He confirmed that police questioned Priyanka on Saturday, and the family is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities are also analyzing photographs of Senapati and Malhotra together, which have circulated on social media, raising further questions about their relationship.
The case has drawn significant attention following Malhotra’s arrest under the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which addresses acts endangering India’s sovereignty and integrity. Haryana Police, in coordination with central agencies, are investigating Malhotra’s financial transactions and travel records to uncover the extent of her alleged espionage activities.