YouTuber Arrested Over Alleged Espionage Links; Kerala Tourism Collaboration Under Scrutiny

In a development that has sparked nationwide attention, YouTuber and travel influencer Jyoti Malhotra, currently under judicial custody for alleged espionage activities, had previously participated in an official tourism initiative by the Kerala government. According to information recently obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application, Malhotra’s visit to Kerala was fully sponsored by the state’s tourism department as part of its digital influencer outreach programme.

The RTI disclosure confirms that her travel, accommodation, and curated itineraries were arranged and funded by the Kerala Tourism Department. The initiative, launched to enhance Kerala’s visibility as a preferred travel destination on digital platforms, involved several social media influencers between January 2024 and May 2025.

Official Invitation and State-Sponsored Travel

As per official documents, Jyoti Malhotra visited key tourist locations across Kerala, including Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar. One of her widely shared videos captured her dressed in a traditional Kerala sari, attending a revered Theyyam performance in Kannur. At the time, this was part of a broader campaign to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage to a global digital audience.

However, Malhotra’s travel history has now become a focal point in the ongoing investigation into her alleged connections with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Authorities are closely examining her previous trips abroad, particularly her multiple visits to Pakistan and interactions with officials linked to the Pakistani High Commission.

Links With Expelled Pakistani Official

Investigators have confirmed that Malhotra maintained contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. The Indian government expelled Danish on May 13, 2025, following accusations of involvement in espionage-related activities.

Police sources revealed that Malhotra had reportedly been in touch with Danish since November 2023, and her digital communication records are being scrutinised to determine the extent of information shared. While no evidence has yet surfaced indicating she accessed sensitive military or national security data, officials assert that attempts were made to cultivate her as an asset by foreign intelligence operatives.

Judicial Custody and Legal Proceedings

Malhotra, a 33-year-old content creator from Haryana, was arrested on May 16, 2025, in Hisar. She has been booked under multiple sections of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Her bail plea was earlier rejected by the Judicial Magistrate First Class on June 12, 2025. A Hisar court has since extended her judicial custody several times, with the next hearing scheduled for July 7, 2025.

Her legal counsel, Kumar Mukesh, stated that they intend to approach the district sessions court for bail in the coming weeks.

A Network Under the Scanner

Malhotra is one among 12 individuals apprehended across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with a suspected espionage ring targeting Indian digital influencers and content creators. The alleged network, authorities claim, was orchestrated to gather strategic information through seemingly harmless social media collaborations.

Her YouTube channel, Travel with Jo, hosts over 480 travel videos covering destinations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and various parts of India. The investigation is actively examining her online content and international travel logs to identify any potential breaches.

📌 Conclusion

The incident has raised serious concerns about the growing vulnerability of social media influencers to foreign intelligence manipulation, particularly through state-sponsored promotional activities. While tourism collaborations are intended to promote cultural exchange and travel opportunities, authorities are now reassessing the screening protocols for participants involved in such programmes.