YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra arrested in espionage case had visited temple in Kannur

KANNUR: Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTube vlogger arrested in connection with an espionage case, had visited the Kashipuram Vanashastha Temple in Alakkad, Kannur, this past January. Before leaving, she was seen bowing in reverence before the "Vettakkorumakan Theyyam," a ritual dance deity performed at the temple. Central agencies are now investigating details of her visit to Kerala. The temple, located in a secluded area, is not widely known.

Jyoti had posted a video of her Kerala visit titled "Budget-friendly Kerala trip" on her YouTube channel. The video includes footage of the Theyyam performance at the Alakkad temple. She first visited Kerala in 2023 and most recently arrived in Kannur for a week-long trip via Bengaluru from Delhi. Central agencies are reportedly examining who may have assisted Jyoti during her time in Kerala, and the Kerala Police are also seeking more details. Preliminary information suggests she travelled as part of a tour package group.

Jyoti was arrested after it became evident that she had links to Danish, a Pakistani embassy official expelled by India on espionage charges, and ISI officer Ali Hasan. Her YouTube channel, Travel with Jo, has over 300,000 views.

Alakkad Vanashastha Temple

This ancient temple is believed to be the site where Vanashastha, a self-manifested deity, appeared alongside Lord Shiva of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is situated within a sacred grove (kaavu), and the sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil) has no roof. Sub-deities include Ganapathy, Vanadurga, Kirata Shiva, and Oorpazhassi Vettakkorumakan. The Theyyam performances of Oorpazhassi and Vettakkorumakan are held on the 1st and 2nd days of the Malayalam month of Makaram every other year.