Bhubaneswar, May 19: Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Monday addressed growing concerns over an alleged connection between YouTubers Jyoti Malhotra and Priyanka Senapati, asserting that the government remains firm in its stance against any illegal activities that threaten state interests.
"If anyone is found involved in actions that compromise the state's security or interests, the government will take strict action. This includes espionage or aiding individuals involved in such activities,” Harichandan stated.
“Anyone found helping or supporting such individuals will also face appropriate legal consequences," he said.
The Minister emphasized that those suspected of involvement would be subjected to investigation. If any credible link is established, the case would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive probe.
“The investigation and legal proceedings will be conducted with utmost seriousness,” Harichandan added.
“Should any connection come to light, it will be dealt with appropriately and decisively,” he said.
The statement follows the recent arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of Hisar, Haryana, who is accused of sharing sensitive information while maintaining frequent contact with a Pakistani national. Her arrest on charges of espionage has sent shockwaves through the digital creator community.
In the wake of Malhotra's arrest, Odia YouTuber Priyanka Senapati has locked her Instagram account, as online speculation mounted over her association with the accused. A photograph of the two, taken during Malhotra’s recent visit to Puri, went viral, further fueling rumours. Both YouTubers had previously shared content from visits to Pakistan, which has also come under renewed scrutiny.
Addressing the allegations in a social media post, Priyanka firmly denied any involvement, stating, “My country comes first.” She clarified that her relationship with Malhotra was purely professional and limited to content creation.
“Our interaction was confined to YouTube-related work. I had no knowledge of her involvement in any unlawful activities,” she wrote. “Had I known she was engaged in espionage, I would have immediately cut all ties.”
Priyanka also expressed her readiness to cooperate with the authorities in any ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, Puri police have initiated an inquiry to determine the nature and depth of her association with Malhotra. Priyanka, a resident of Kalika Devi Sahi near the Jagannath Temple in Puri, remains under the radar as the investigation progresses.
