Spy Or Influencer? Kerala Tourism Connection In Jyoti Malhotra’s Espionage Case

Kochi: The arrest of shuttle vlogger Jyoti Malhotra on espionage fees has taken a brand new flip with allegations that she used to be hosted through the Kerala Tourism Department all over her consult with to Kannur. BJP chief and previous Kerala state president Okay. Surendran raised questions concerning the nature of her consult with and the involvement of the state-run tourism frame.

Surendran took to social media platform X (previously Twitter) on Saturday and alleged that Malhotra’s commute to Kannur used to be subsidized through Kerala Tourism, which is headed through Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He wondered the aim of her consult with and the people she met all over her keep.

“Pak-Spy Jyoti Malhotra’s Kannur trip was sponsored by Kerala Tourism, run by none other than Pinarayi Vijayan’s son-in-law. Who did she meet? Where did she go? What’s the real agenda? Why is Kerala rolling out red carpets for a Pak-linked spy?” Surendran posted on X.

These allegations come weeks after Malhotra, a resident of Hisar and writer of the ‘Travel with JO’ YouTube channel, used to be arrested as a part of a crackdown on alleged ISI-backed undercover agent community throughout Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi following Operation Sindoor. She faces fees below the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Investigators printed that Malhotra maintained direct touch with Pakistan’s intelligence company, allegedly handed delicate information and had a couple of interactions on the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. She additionally reportedly made two journeys to Pakistan, and one surfaced video displays her in Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar below armed escort. She used to be remanded to 14-day judicial custody on May 26, 2025.

The Haryana Police had been analyzing roughly 13 terabytes of information recovered from 5 cell phones and a pc belonging to Malhotra and an companion, Harkirat. Her financial institution accounts also are below investigation. While investigators have now not discovered any proof that she accessed delicate army, protection or strategic data, nor any connections to terrorist actions or organizations, Malhotra has admitted to being involved with recognized Pakistani intelligence operatives.

The Kerala Tourism Department’s Role

A public sector endeavor, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) conducts and regulates tourism actions within the state. Headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, it additionally operates accommodations, inns and vacationer relaxation homes within the state.

The involvement of the Kerala Tourism Department in webhosting Malhotra all over her consult with to Kannur raises questions concerning the vetting procedure for overseas guests and the prospective misuse of state assets. The division has but to reply to the allegations made through Surendran.

The allegations have sparked a political controversy within the state. The BJP is difficult a probe into the subject. Surendran has sought transparency relating to the main points of Malhotra’s consult with and the people she interacted with all over her keep in Kannur.

The Kerala executive has now not any observation on this regard up to now.