YouTuber Arrested for Spying Was Hired by Kerala Tourism, RTI Reveals
An RTI response has revealed that Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, recently arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, was officially engaged and funded by the Kerala Tourism Department. Malhotra was part of a digital influencer campaign between 2024 and 2025 to promote the state. Her arrest is part of a wider probe into an espionage network allegedly using digital platforms and influencers to gather intelligence, raising serious questions about the vetting processes for government-sponsored promotional activities.
Unpacked:
Jyoti Malhotra was one of 41 social media influencers chosen by the Kerala Tourism Department between January 2024 and May 2025 for a digital marketing initiative. The program aimed to enhance Kerala’s online presence by collaborating with popular content creators. Specific details about the department's vetting or selection criteria have not been disclosed in official responses.
Authorities allege that Jyoti Malhotra was involved in gathering intelligence for Pakistan while posing as a travel vlogger. Her travel history, including multiple visits to Pakistan and contact with Pakistani intelligence officials and diplomats, is reportedly central to the investigation. One Pakistani High Commission official was expelled from India after the alleged spy link surfaced.
As of now, the Kerala Tourism Department has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the espionage allegations or the vetting procedures for influencers. The RTI response only confirmed that Malhotra’s trip was fully government-funded and part of a structured influencer collaboration to promote tourism.
Yes, the case has raised serious questions about the adequacy of background checks and security vetting for individuals involved in government-sponsored promotional activities. Critics argue that more rigorous screening is needed to prevent misuse of such campaigns for espionage or intelligence gathering.