Kerala Tourism Department Under Fire for Hiring Accused Spy

A recent Right to Information (RTI) response has revealed that the Kerala Tourism Department funded the trip of Jyoti Malhotra, a social media influencer accused of spying for Pakistan. The Kerala government included Malhotra, a 33-year-old vlogger from Haryana, in a state-run influencer collaboration program. The program aimed to boost Kerala’s visibility as a digital travel destination.

State-Sponsored Trip Raises National Security Concerns

According to official records, Malhotra visited multiple tourist spots in Kerala, including Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha, and Munnar, between 2024 and 2025. The Kerala government fully funded her travel, accommodation, and itinerary expenses. Malhotra’s trip was part of a larger campaign to promote Kerala as a global travel destination, which included 41 social media influencers.

Investigation Reveals Links to Pakistani Intelligence

The investigation has revealed that Malhotra had been in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, a staff member of the Pakistan High Commission, since November 2023. Rahim was expelled by the Indian government on May 13 for allegedly engaging in espionage activities. Malhotra’s contacts also included other high-profile individuals, raising serious concerns about national security.

Kerala Tourism Minister Responds

KKerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, meanwhile, defended the decision to invite Malhotra to the state. He stated that the government had acted with good intentions and, moreover, had followed the policies of previous governments. Riyas emphasised that the government did not know about Malhotra’s alleged involvement in espionage activities.

Judicial Custody Extended

Malhotra was arrested on May 16 and booked under sections of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Her judicial custody has been extended by two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for July 7. Her lawyer has announced plans to file a bail application in the district sessions court.

This incident has sparked a wider debate about the intersection of tourism promotion and national security, with many calling for more rigorous vetting procedures for individuals participating in government-sponsored initiatives.

Team Profile

Aryan GulatiFreelance Journalist

Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.

Kerala Tourism Department Under Fire for Hiring Accused Spy

State-Sponsored Trip Raises National Security Concerns