Navankur Chaudhary, popularly known as “Yatri Doctor,” is a doctor-turned-travel YouTuber who has recently come under intense scrutiny following the arrest of fellow travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This article explores the allegations, the relationship between Yatri Doctor and Jyoti Malhotra, the involvement of ISI, and the concerns raised by Indian authorities.
Who is Yatri Doctor?
Navankur Chaudhary, born in 1996 in Haryana, India, is a registered MBBS doctor who transitioned to a career as a travel content creator in 2017. He runs a popular YouTube channel, “Yatri Doctor,” with nearly 2 million subscribers and has traveled to 144 countries, aiming to visit all 197 recognized nations. Despite his medical background, he is primarily known for his travel vlogs and social media presence.
Allegations and Links to Pakistan
The controversy erupted after Jyoti Malhotra, a fellow travel YouTuber with over 377,000 subscribers, was arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan. Indian agencies allege that Malhotra shared sensitive Indian military information with the ISI during her travels to Pakistan and maintained encrypted communications with Pakistani intelligence handlers.
Following Malhotra’s arrest, social media users scrutinized Navankur Chaudhary’s past activities, including a photo of him with Malhotra at a party held at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and videos where he praised the Pakistani military and criticized Indian security personnel. These associations led to widespread speculation and accusations that Yatri Doctor might also be involved in espionage.
Yatri Doctor’s Response
Navankur Chaudhary has categorically denied all allegations of spying or any wrongdoing. In multiple video statements, including one from Ireland where he is currently traveling, he described the narrative against him as “fake” and “baseless.” He clarified that he has visited Pakistan only once, purely as part of his travel goals, and that his acquaintance with Jyoti Malhotra was casual, with Malhotra having approached him as a fan during her visit.
He has expressed readiness to cooperate fully with Indian investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and has stated that if found guilty, he is prepared to face legal consequences7. He also highlighted that many of his family members have served in the Indian armed forces, underscoring his patriotic credentials.
ISI Involvement and Indian Concerns
The case has exposed a broader espionage network allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan’s ISI, which used social media influencers like Jyoti Malhotra to gather intelligence on Indian military and undercover agents. WhatsApp chats between Malhotra and an ISI handler revealed coded conversations about Indian operatives, raising alarm about cross-border influence operations.
Indian authorities are investigating whether Malhotra knowingly aided the ISI or was manipulated as part of a larger spy ring. The involvement of social media personalities in such networks has heightened concerns about national security and the potential misuse of digital platforms for espionage.
Conclusion
While Jyoti Malhotra remains under investigation for alleged spying activities linked to Pakistan’s ISI, Navankur Chaudhary (“Yatri Doctor”) has firmly denied any involvement in espionage. Despite social media backlash and suspicions due to his associations and travel history, no formal charges have been filed against him as of now. He has pledged full cooperation with Indian agencies and dismissed the allegations as baseless propaganda.
The case underscores the complexities of modern espionage, where social media influencers can become unwitting or willing participants in intelligence operations, prompting India to remain vigilant about such threats.
This ongoing investigation continues to draw public and official attention, reflecting India’s heightened concerns over Pakistan’s intelligence activities and the role of digital platforms in cross-border espionage.
