Following Jyoti Malhotra's arrest, her father, Harish Malhotra, stated his inability to afford legal representation for his daughter due to financial constraints. The police investigation is ongoing.
Haryana: Every father desires to fight the world for his daughter, but Harish Malhotra's situation paints a different picture. With tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he told the media, "Even if I wanted to, I can't afford to fight my daughter's case."
He explained that his financial situation is so dire that hiring a competent lawyer is impossible. He became emotional while conveying this. He mentioned that since his daughter's arrest, he has neither been allowed to meet her nor speak to her.
Seized Belongings Not Returned
Harish Malhotra stated that when the police arrested Jyoti, they seized several items from his home. He said, "None of the items taken by the police have been returned." Jyoti possessed a diary containing her personal writings, which is also now missing.
Jyoti's YouTube Activities Unknown to Father
The father revealed that Jyoti had been active on YouTube for the past two and a half years, uploading videos, but he was largely unaware of this activity.
"I only have an old phone that doesn't even play videos or display photos. No one informed me about any of this," Harish said.
Returned Home After Lockdown
Jyoti worked a private job in Delhi before the lockdown. During the pandemic, she returned to Hisar and has resided there since.
Harish stated, "She always took care of me." But now, following the police action, he feels utterly alone.
"If She's Guilty, She Will Be Punished"
When asked if he believed Jyoti should be punished if she had committed a crime,
Harish's response was measured: "If she's guilty, she will be punished. What difference does my opinion make?"
He also stated that he never suspected his daughter was involved in any questionable activities or bad company.
No Information Received from Police
Harish Malhotra reported that the police neither visited his home nor summoned him to the station. "No one even spoke to me."
He said that any information he receives about Jyoti after her arrest comes solely from media or social media sources.
Contact with PIO Suspected, Police Investigation Underway
According to police sources, Jyoti was taken into custody on suspicion of being in contact with a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO).
It is reported that Jyoti maintained contact with suspicious individuals even during times of conflict.
According to the police, forensic analysis of three mobile phones and a laptop seized from Jyoti is underway.
The report is expected within two days. Following this, the police will seek further remand to conduct a face-to-face interrogation.
Police Gathering Digital Evidence
Jyoti is currently under four days of judicial remand. During this time, the police are focusing on digital evidence and her social media and YouTube activity.
Sources indicate that the police are investigating whether Jyoti intentionally contacted the PIO and whether she shared any sensitive information.
Police in Other States Activated
Jyoti has traveled to several states in recent years. The local police in those states have contacted the Hisar police.
If necessary, further inquiries will be conducted in other states.
