Travel Vlogger Jyoti Rani Seeks Default Bail in High-Stakes Espionage Case

In a significant legal development, travel vlogger Jyoti Rani, currently embroiled in an alleged espionage case, has approached a Delhi court seeking default bail. Rani, who has been in judicial custody since her arrest in April, contends that the Delhi Police's Crime Branch failed to file a chargesheet within the statutory 90-day period, thereby entitling her to immediate release.

The application was moved before the Patiala House Court, where the matter is now under consideration.

Rani's legal counsel highlighted that she has been incarcerated for approximately 76 days without a formal chargesheet being presented, falling short of the legal requirement. Under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, if an investigation is not completed and a chargesheet is not filed within 90 days for offenses punishable with imprisonment for not less than 10 years, or within 60 days for other offenses, the accused is entitled to be released on default bail.

Jyoti Rani was arrested by the Delhi Police's Crime Branch in April this year.

She stands accused of allegedly sharing sensitive information regarding strategic locations and Army movements with a Pakistani intelligence operative via WhatsApp. The investigation revealed that she purportedly met the said operative in Dubai, leading to suspicions of her involvement in espionage activities detrimental to national security.

Her husband is also a co-accused in this intricate case.

According to police allegations, Rani’s activities included transmitting photographs and details of crucial installations. Her defense, however, maintains her innocence, asserting that she was unaware of the true intentions or affiliation of the individual she was communicating with, claiming she believed it to be a harmless online interaction.

The case has drawn considerable attention due to her public profile as a travel vlogger, adding another layer of complexity to the serious charges she faces.

The court is now set to deliberate on the merits of her default bail application, a decision that could significantly impact the trajectory of this high-profile espionage probe.

The outcome will be closely watched, as it will determine whether the lack of a timely chargesheet grants her temporary freedom while the investigation continues.