Odisha YouTuber Priyanka Senapati Under Probe Over Alleged Links to Pakistan Spy Case

Odisha YouTuber Priyanka Senapati is under investigation for her alleged links to arrested spy Jyoti Malhotra. Authorities are examining her Pakistan trip and ties to the espionage case.

In a startling turn of events, Odisha-based YouTuber Priyanka Senapati has come under the scanner of Indian investigative agencies after her alleged links with Jyoti Malhotra — a Haryana-based YouTuber recently arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan — surfaced. Authorities are now closely examining Priyanka’s past associations, travel history, and her recent visit to Pakistan via the Kartarpur Corridor.

A Friendship That’s Drawn Attention

Priyanka Senapati, a Puri-based digital content creator, has made a name for herself through vibrant travel vlogs. With over 14,600 subscribers on YouTube and 20,000 followers on Instagram, she’s built a modest yet engaged audience. Her content largely focuses on exploring the cultural richness of Odisha and other parts of India.

However, her connection with Jyoti Malhotra, now facing serious espionage charges, has raised eyebrows. According to officials, Priyanka had accompanied Jyoti during her visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri in September 2024. This seemingly innocent friendship has now become a focal point in an ongoing high-stakes investigation.

Pakistan Visit Under Scrutiny

What further intensified the probe is Priyanka’s trip to Pakistan around three to four months ago. In March, she uploaded a video on her YouTube channel titled “Odia Girl in Pakistan | Kartarpur Corridor Guide | Odia Vlog” — a travelogue documenting her experience of visiting the religious site. While the video appeared harmless, officials are now probing whether the visit was purely for content creation or had any deeper implications.

“We are looking into all aspects of her interaction with Jyoti Malhotra and her foreign travel,” Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal stated. “We’re coordinating with the Intelligence Bureau, state intelligence, and Haryana Police. If the investigation warrants, appropriate action will be taken.”

Family and Personal Clarifications

Priyanka’s father, Rajkishore Senapati, expressed shock over the developments. “I had no clue about Jyoti’s arrest or the spying charges. My daughter is just a YouTuber who met Jyoti during her visit to Puri. Jyoti never came to our house,” he told the media. He also added that Priyanka had visited Kartarpur along with another individual, carrying all necessary documents. “Many content creators travel there — there was nothing secretive about it.”

In her own defense, Priyanka took to social media to clarify her position. “Jyoti was just a friend I met through YouTube. I had no knowledge about her alleged activities. Had I known, I would have never maintained contact,” she wrote.

What Lies Ahead?

As of now, Priyanka remains at her home in Puri and is being questioned by local police. Authorities have neither detained her nor made any formal accusations, but the investigation is far from over. “We are verifying every detail. If the evidence points towards any wrongdoing, we will act accordingly,” SP Agrawal emphasized.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of how seemingly casual digital associations in today’s hyper-connected world can have unforeseen consequences. Whether Priyanka’s role is incidental or more serious will be revealed only after a thorough investigation.

Until then, a young travel vlogger finds herself in the middle of a national security case — something no one, least of all she, could have anticipated.