Jyoti Malhotra, a 33-year-old travel vlogger from Haryana, was recently arrested on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistan. A newly revealed RTI response has confirmed that she was previously employed by the Kerala Tourism Department as part of an official digital outreach initiative.

Malhotra, who is recognized for her YouTube channel Travel with Jo, was selected from a curated list of social media influencers by the state to promote Kerala as a premier travel destination between 2024 and 2025. The Kerala government fully funded her travel, accommodation, and itinerary expenses through its influencer collaboration programme, which aims to enhance the state’s digital footprint in the tourism industry.
According to the RTI response, Malhotra extensively explored key tourist areas such as Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar, sharing her experiences with her YouTube followers. One of her viral videos showcased her in a traditional Kerala sari while attending a Theyyam performance in Kannur.

However, her arrest has raised concerns regarding the programme, as ongoing investigations by Indian intelligence agencies suggest that Malhotra made multiple trips to Pakistan, establishing direct contact with officials associated with Pakistani intelligence services, including staff from the Pakistan High Commission in India. One official was expelled after these alleged connections were uncovered.

Malhotra’s arrest has sparked significant worries about national security vulnerabilities and the vetting procedures for individuals involved in government-funded initiatives. Her YouTube channel, which features 487 videos, includes content from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and various Indian states—now being examined for possible intelligence connections disguised as travel content.