The visit of Jyoti Malhotra, a native of Haryana who was recently arrested on charges of espionage for Pakistan, to various parts of Kerala has raised serious questions. Jyoti’s movements across Kerala are under intense discussion, especially considering her links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and her recent visits to other terror-sensitive regions.
Jyoti’s trip to Kerala came on the heels of a five-day tour of J&K in late 2024. Soon after her visit, 26 Hindus were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam, further intensifying suspicions. During her Kashmir tour, she had travelled to Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, locations often monitored for terrorist activity. Soon after, she arrived in Kerala and stayed for several days.
Jyoti’s Suspicious Route & Proximity to Strategic Sites
In a travel itinerary video posted on instagram account, Jyoti had stated that her Kerala visit would begin in Kochi, followed by visits to central and southern parts of the state. However, contrary to this, she first landed in Kannur district in north Kerala (Malabar) on January 15. Notably, she did not explore other popular destinations in Kannur but proceeded directly to Alakkad to witness the ritualistic Theyyam performance at the Kashipuram Vanasastha Temple in the same district.
This detour has raised eyebrows because the Ezhimala Naval Academy, a strategically important military installation, lies just 17 kilometres from Alakkad. Moreover, Alakkad is merely a 30-minute drive from Padanna village in Kasaragod district, known for its links to global Islamic terrorism. It is from Padanna that 11 youths had previously joined the Islamic State (ISIS). The region also has a history of hawala transactions tied to terrorist financing.
Jyoti posted her first Instagram video from Kerala on January 20, five days after her arrival, and another from Alakkad on January 25. Given her usual pattern of posting content every two to three days, her movements during this unaccounted period generate suspicion. Jyoti’s use of internal roads rather than national highways could indicate an intent to meet individuals discreetly.
Subsequently, Jyoti travelled to Alappuzha, Kochi, and Munnar. Interestingly, this was not her first visit to the region. She had earlier visited Kasaragod in September 2023, though that trip did not involve any known cultural or religious exploration such as watching Theyyam, according to her social media handles. So, it is important to probe whether her return in January 2025 was pre-planned with more serious intentions especially in the background of Pahalgam terror attack and her presence.
First Destination was Pakistan after Kerala visit
Adding to suspicions is the fact that Jyoti travelled to Pakistan roughly a month after her Kerala visit, following a stop at the Mahakumbh Mela. During her Pakistan trips, she reportedly met prominent political leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the chief Minister of Pak-Punjab and daughter of former prime Minister Nawas Sharif. She was assisted there by Danish, an official of the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi, who was later declared persona non-grata by the Indian government on May 13 . Jyoti is believed to have shared sensitive images of strategic Indian locations via social media with Pakistani contacts.
It has also emerged that Jyoti was not travelling alone. She was accompanied by Odia YouTuber Priyanka Senapati during her trips to Kashmir and Kerala. Priyanka, who has made multiple visits to Pakistan, has been known to criticise India in her content while portraying Pakistan positively. Both women have also shared pictures from their visits to the Puri Jagannath Temple, further complicating the nature of their activities.
Jyoti’s ISI Links and Espionage Network
Investigations have uncovered Jyoti’s alleged contacts with suspected ISI operatives, including individuals identified as Ali Ihwan, Shakir, and Rana Shahbaz. These contacts were reportedly saved under fake names in her phone. Moreover, Jyoti also travelled to Indonesia and Bangladesh, sometimes in the company of Pakistani diplomatic personnel, especially Danish. Authorities in Haryana have confirmed that several suspicious items and digital evidence were recovered from Jyoti’s mobile phone and laptop. An investigation is currently underway. Given these developments, central agencies and Kerala Police have to examine the possibility that Jyoti’s travel to Kerala was part of a larger operation, potentially to carry out terrorist activities following the Pahalgam attack. Particular concern has been raised regarding her visits to temple sites and areas close to strategic military locations.
Growing Concerns Over Kerala’s Vulnerability
In the context of Tahawwur Rana’s visit to Kochi, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the continuous allegation of love-drug and cine jihad, many stress the need for a deeper probe into whether Kerala is becoming a target of a terrorist attack . Before the Mumbai terror attacks, there were reports that Rana had travelled to Kochi to recruit individuals for terrorist activities. Similarly, it is important to investigate whether Jyoti Malhotra’s suspicious visits to Kerala were also aimed at recruiting people for terrorism. The movements and motives of individuals like Jyoti Malhotra must be rigorously examined to prevent any potential threats to national security.
