Thiruvananthapuram: In a major revelation it has now come out that the controversial Haryana-based vlogger Jyoti Malhotra who was recently arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, had visited Kerala on the invitation of the state government as part of its efforts to promote tourism.
The startling revelation, which came in the form of an RTI reply, has triggered controversy with criticism being raised from various corners against the government decision. However, tourism minister Mohammed Riyas has outrightly rejected the claims and has downplayed the allegations by the BJP that the CPM government in Kerala had invited the Haryana- based spy with ulterior motives and hence should be investigated.
According to the RTI reply, Jyoti was among 41 social media influencers enlisted by the tourism department from January 1, 2024, to May 21, 2025, to promote state tourism. She visited Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha and Munnar, with the state government bearing her expenses and paying a remuneration.
Meanwhile, Youth League state secretary P K Firoz said the minister was shirking his responsibility of giving an explanation on how the fiasco happened.
“The news report of Jyoti being invited by the government is shocking. The minister has the responsibility to answer the questions. Instead, he is giving rude replies and saying people are with them. He should ideally respond on whether her whereabouts were scrutinized or not. But here the minister is being arrogant and is trying to be the super chief minister”, said PK Firoz.
“Now, RTI documents prove every word I said. Why did Kerala Tourism, controlled by CM’s son-in-law, sponsor a Pak-linked spy’s trip?” said BJP senior leader K Surendran and added that the security of the state was not the family business of CM.