'I’m innocent’: YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra tells father during jail visit

HISAR: Harish Malhotra, father of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra -accused of spying for Pakistan -visited her at Hisar's Central Jail No. 2 on Tuesday, the first day after her judicial custody began. Speaking to mediapersons later, an emotional Malhotra said that Jyoti declared herself innocent, declining to share further details.Jyoti was sent to judicial custody on Monday after completing a nine-day police remand. She was arrested on May 17 after case was filed under Section 152 (act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) of the Bhartiya Naya Sanhita, along with Sections 3 (penalties) and 5 (wrongful communication, of information) of the Official Secrets Act. She was initially remanded for five days, extended by an additional four days on May 22. On May 26, she was presented in court and subsequently sent to jail.During the nine-day remand, superintendent of police Shashank Kumar Sawan said that no evidence so far suggested that Jyoti accessed sensitive military, defence, or strategic information, or that she was involved in any terrorist activity or linked to any terrorist organisation. However, the SP confirmed that Malhotra was aware of individuals identified as Pakistani intelligence operatives and was in contact with them. Central investigative agencies also interrogated her during the investigation.Authorities are currently analysing data from her four bank accounts, but no official comment has been made regarding financial transactions. The SP further clarified that there is no evidence to suggest that the accused converted to Islam or married any Pakistani intelligence operative.