Jyoti Malhotra surfaced on Kerala’s vibrant tourism map under a state-sponsored influencer program. Months later, an RTI filing quietly confirmed that the department hosted her across beaches, backwaters and hill stations at public expense.
Authorities detained her in May 2025 under charges of espionage. Online discussions now revisit those picturesque journeys under a new light. Emerging documents sketch the contours of official support behind closed doors, formally for Jyoti Malhotra.
RTI Response Reveals Malhotra’s Participation in Kerala Event
An RTI response confirms that the Kerala tourism department fully funded Jyoti Malhotra’s travel, stay, and itinerary expenses between January 2024 and May 2025. S. Jayashankar, a BJP karyakarta, posted on X about the RTI reply that showed state sponsorship of Malhotra. He wrote, “An RTI has revealed that Pakistani spy Jyoti Malhotra was sponsored by Kerala tourism department in recent years.”
An RTI has revealed that Pakistani spy Jyothi Malhotra was sponsored by Kerala tourism department in recent years. It must be noted that most of her secret visits were to Kerala and she is alleged to have conducted many secret meetings with her Pakistani counterparts in the… pic.twitter.com/zvR1v2N5gV
— S.Jayashankar (@jaypanicker) July 6, 2025
Most of her official trips were to Kerala, where she allegedly held secret meetings with Pakistani contacts. Critics now question whether the Kerala government facilitated Pakistani agencies. This is raising fresh doubts about the state’s rigorous influencer vetting process.
Who is Jyoti Malhotra? Background and Allegations
Jyoti Malhotra is a 33-year-old travel vlogger from Hisar, Haryana, who runs the popular YouTube channel Travel with JO. She built her channel in 2019 and gained over 400,000 subscribers by early 2025. Police say she visited Pakistan multiple times between 2023 and 2025 and met officials linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence.
She was arrested in May 2025 under the Official Secrets Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities claim she passed significant sensitive information and held secret talks with Pakistani contacts. However, there is still no clear proof that she accessed military secrets or worked for any terror group.
Social Media Buzz: Netizens Question Vetting Process
“Hunderrrr % literacy Saaarrrr !!!🤫” This comment mocks Kerala’s high literacy claim in light of the RTI findings. “The Kerala tourism minister has clarified.” One user shared official statements pushing for clarity. “This is mind boggling 😳 Kerala Govt or Terrorism Facilitator ?” Another user expressed shock and doubt about the state’s role.
“It’s a serious allegation & a finding worth further investigation… @narendramodi @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @DrSJaishankar.” The citizen calls for central oversight and a probe. “This premise gives out an obvious conclusion unless a Logical & Verified cross version comes from the state” The user demands a detailed, official rebuttal or confirmation.
Kerala Tourism’s Track Record and the Road Ahead
Kerala Tourism has long invited influencers to promote “God’s Own Country” through digital campaigns. Its past collaborations included travel bloggers from India and abroad. Despite success in boosting visitor numbers, the Malhotra case raises questions on vetting processes.
The department now faces pressure to tighten background checks and due diligence for all participants. Moving forward, officials say they will review collaboration guidelines and enforce stricter safeguards to protect the state’s image.
The RTI revelation intensifies scrutiny on Kerala’s tourism vetting. Jyoti Malhotra’s case underlines the need for rigorous checks. The state vows tighter controls amid growing public concern.
