Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger currently in judicial custody for allegedly spying for Pakistan, had earlier visited Kerala under a fully funded state government initiative, a Right to Information (RTI) reply has revealed. The revelation has raised serious concerns over influencer collaborations with government agencies without adequate background checks.
The 33-year-old YouTuber, who runs the channel Travel with Jo, was part of Kerala Tourism’s official digital influencer program aimed at promoting the state as a global travel destination. According to the RTI response now in public domain, Malhotra’s entire trip – including travel, accommodation, and itinerary – was financed by the state government.
Between January 2024 and May 2025, Malhotra visited several key destinations in Kerala, including Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar. One of her widely circulated videos featured her wearing a traditional Kerala sari while attending a Theyyam performance in Kannur, showcasing local culture to her online audience.
However, the same influencer is now at the center of a major espionage investigation. Malhotra was arrested on May 16 from the New Aggarsain Extension area in Hisar, Haryana, and booked under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She is suspected of being in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Investigators revealed that Malhotra had been in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a staff member of the Pakistan High Commission. Danish was expelled from India on May 13 over alleged spying activities. Police believe Pakistani operatives were actively attempting to cultivate Malhotra as an intelligence asset.
Although no direct evidence has been found linking her to defense or military-related information, authorities remain concerned over her repeated travels to Pakistan and interactions with high-profile officials. Her travel history, especially her visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh, is a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Malhotra’s judicial custody has been extended multiple times since her initial remand on May 26. On June 23, a Hisar court extended her custody again, with the next hearing scheduled for July 7. Her lawyer confirmed that a fresh bail plea would be filed in the district sessions court.
She is one of 12 individuals arrested in a coordinated crackdown across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh on a suspected espionage ring believed to be targeting Indian content creators.
Her channel, which boasts over 480 travel videos, remains online.
