Alleged Pak Spy Jyoti Malhotra Was Hired by Kerala Tourism for Promo Campaign, Reveals RTI

In a startling revelation, travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, recently arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan, was officially engaged and funded by the Kerala Tourism Department for a digital promotion campaign between 2024 and 2025. An RTI response has confirmed that the 33-year-old from Haryana, now at the center of a major espionage investigation, had her travel and accommodation expenses paid for by the state.

This disclosure has sent shockwaves through security and government circles, casting a harsh spotlight on the vetting procedures for individuals involved in state-sponsored promotional activities. Malhotra was arrested as part of a major crackdown on a suspected espionage network operating across North India.

The RTI reply confirmed that Malhotra, who runs the popular YouTube channel ‘Travel with Jo’, was one of several social media influencers invited by Kerala to boost its tourism prospects. Under the government-funded programme, she travelled through key tourist destinations like Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar, producing content for her channel. One viral video showed her in a traditional Kerala sari at a Theyyam performance in Kannur.

Her arrest has, however, unravelled a more sinister narrative. Indian intelligence agencies allege that Malhotra travelled to Pakistan multiple times, where she established contact with officials linked to Pakistani intelligence services. The probe also revealed her association with an official at the Pakistan High Commission in India, who was subsequently expelled.

Reacting to the controversy, Kerala’s Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas defended the department’s actions, stating the campaign was launched with “good intentions” to promote the state. “Do you think the state government invited her for spying and provided all assistance?” he asked reporters, emphasizing that the selection process followed established norms.

However, opposition parties have strongly criticised the state government for what they term a “serious security lapse.” BJP state chief K. Surendran questioned the decision, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Now, RTI documents prove every word I said. Why did Kerala Tourism, controlled by CM’s son-in-law, sponsor a Pak-linked spy’s trip?”

Malhotra is one of 12 individuals detained so far from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in a coordinated operation by central agencies. The network is believed to have exploited digital platforms and influencer circles to gather sensitive information. Her YouTube channel, featuring 487 videos from countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh, is now being intensely scrutinised by investigators.