The Income Tax Department on Thursday conducted a series of raids against Hindi newspaper Dainik Bhaskar and the office of a Hindi TV channel broadcast from Uttar Pradesh. Dainik Bhaskar has termed today’s raids as a vendetta by the Narendra Modi government for its coverage on the pandemic.
According to reports, Danik Bhaskar’s offices in Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and some other locations in the countr too are being raided.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, “Income Tax raid on Dainik Bhaskar newspaper & Bharat Samachar news channel is a brazen attempt to suppress the voice of media. Modi government cannot tolerate even an iota of its criticism. Due to its fascist mentality, the BJP doesn’t want to see the truth in a democratic setup”
He added, “By indulging in such actions and gagging media, the Modi government wants to convey the message that if the media doesn’t become Godi-Media then it’s voice will be suppressed”
Income Tax raid on Dainik Bhaskar newspaper & Bharat Samachar news channel is a brazen attempt to suppress the voice of media. Modi government cannot tolerate even an iota of its criticism. Due to its fascist mentality, the BJP doesn’t want to see the truth in a democratic setup.
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) July 22, 2021
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “The attack on journalists & media houses is yet another BRUTAL attempt to stifle democracy.
#DainikBhaskar bravely reported the way @narendramodi ji mishandled the entire #COVID crisis and led the country to its most horrifying days amid a raging pandemic.”
She added, “I strongly condemn this vindictive act that aims to suppress voices that bring out the TRUTH. It’s a grave violation that undermines the very principles of democracy. Urging everyone in the Media to stay strong. Together we shall never let the autocratic forces succeed!”
The attack on journalists & media houses is yet another BRUTAL attempt to stifle democracy.#DainikBhaskar bravely reported the way @narendramodi ji mishandled the entire #COVID crisis and led the country to its most horrifying days amid a raging pandemic. (1/2)
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 22, 2021
Daink Bhaskar said on its website, “The government is frightened of honest journalism. Government crackdown on Bhaskar Group, who published the truth on the true death toll and floating dead bodies in Ganga.”