Kerala Government Invited Blogger Jyoti Malhotra, Arrested for Espionage for Pakistan, to Tourism Campaign. RTI reveals the government covered the full cost of her trip.
Jyoti Malhotra: Jyoti Malhotra, a vlogger recently arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan, was invited by the Kerala government for a tourism promotion program. An RTI query has revealed that the state government bore the entire cost of her trip. Jyoti visited tourist destinations like Munnar and Kochi and promoted them through social media. This case is now raising questions about the transparency of the Kerala government's promotional campaigns.
Who is Jyoti Malhotra?
Jyoti Malhotra is a well-known travel vlogger with a massive following on social media. Her YouTube channel, 'Travel With Jo,' focused on solo travel, vlogging, and international trips. Originally from Haryana, she was considered one of India's prominent digital creators at the age of 33. However, she has recently become embroiled in controversy due to serious espionage charges.
Shocking Disclosure in RTI
A recent RTI revealed that Jyoti Malhotra was invited by the Kerala government under its official tourism promotion program. The state government covered the entire cost of Jyoti's travel, accommodation, food, and local excursions in this campaign.
According to the information, this trip took place between 2024 and 2025. During this time, Jyoti visited major tourist destinations in Kerala, including Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar.
What was the Objective of the Tourism Campaign?
The Kerala Tourism Department initiated this campaign to promote the state as a premier digital tourism destination through social media influencers. The aim was that those with millions of followers would promote the natural beauty, culture, and diversity of Kerala on a global platform through their content.
Jyoti Malhotra was a part of this program and made several videos while touring Kerala, which also went viral on YouTube and Instagram.
Allegations of Connections with Pakistan
On the other hand, Jyoti is now caught in a serious case, which has brought this government initiative under scrutiny. She is accused of spying for Pakistan. According to investigating agencies, she had visited Pakistan several times and had contacts with officials of the intelligence agencies there. A report also revealed that she was in contact with an official of the Pakistan High Commission, who was later expelled by the Indian government.
Was Jyoti Part of a Spy Network?
Jyoti Malhotra is among the 12 people recently arrested under a large espionage network caught in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This network was allegedly targeting Indian social media influencers to obtain sensitive information from them.
The NIA and intelligence agencies have also started an investigation into Jyoti's YouTube channel 'Travel With Jo.' This investigation focuses on whether she collected sensitive information under the guise of travel and whether this trip was at the behest of Pakistan.
Questions Raised about the Role of the Kerala Government
The Kerala government's official inclusion of Jyoti in the campaign and bearing the cost of her trip has now become a subject of political and administrative discussion. Questions are being raised about how a person whose background was not properly investigated was invited. After the allegations, tourism department officials have not yet made any public statement. RTI documents indicate that the invitation and all arrangements for the campaign were made through official channels.
