(OT Webdesk)In a revelation that has raised serious national security concerns, an RTI reply has confirmed that Jyoti Malhotra — a popular travel YouTuber now facing espionage charges — was previously sponsored by the Kerala Tourism Department under an official influencer outreach programme.
The 33-year-old content creator from Hisar, Haryana, known for her YouTube channel Travel with JO, had published over 480 travel videos.
Between January 2024 and May 2025, she was invited by Kerala Tourism to showcase destinations including Kochi, Kannur, and Munnar, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered by the state government.
One of Malhotra’s widely viewed videos featured her participating in a traditional Theyyam performance. However, authorities now claim her digital footprint and interactions extend far beyond tourism.
On May 16, she was arrested under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after investigators alleged she had been in regular contact with Pakistani intelligence agencies since late 2023.
Her reported liaison, a diplomat named Ehsan-ur-Rahim from the Pakistan High Commission, was expelled just days prior to her arrest.
While officials admit that no classified military data was found in Malhotra’s possession, they contend she was being digitally “cultivated” for espionage.
Her arrest is part of a broader crackdown that has led to 12 arrests across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
The revelation that a person under investigation for espionage participated in a government-sponsored tourism campaign has triggered serious concerns over the effectiveness of background checks for social media influencers engaged in public-facing programmes.
Malhotra’s judicial custody was extended on June 23, with the next court hearing scheduled for July 7.
Her initial bail plea was rejected, and her legal team is preparing to approach a higher court.
The unfolding case underscores a growing overlap between social media influence and national security, and highlights an urgent need for more robust vetting in government outreach efforts.
