IB, NIA, Press Council rubbish media's terror claim on PFI

[email protected] (CD Network)
November 3, 2013

New Delhi, Nov 3: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) have denied that they had shared with media any information on Popular Front of India of the media reports portraying Popular Front (PFI) of India as a terrorist organization.

pfi

The agencies made it clear that they had nothing to do with some newspaper reports dubbing the PFI as a terrorist organization in statements submitted to Press Council of India (PCI) as per the notice sent by the Council. PFI had filed a complaint last year to the Press Council against the tendentious news reports that appeared in some Hindi and English language newspapers linking the organization with terror activities.

The reports published by newspapers like the Asian Age, Deccan Herald, Sunday Guardian and the Pioneer, whose Editor is BJP MP in Rajya Sabha Dr Chandan Mitra had alleged that that PFI was a terrorist organization and was trying to develop relationship with Dalits and Maoists and human rights groups.

Of the 10 complaints filed, 5 were settled in July. But when some newspapers claimed that their reports were based on NIA and IB sources, Press Council sent a notice to both the agencies demanding either to confirm or deny the media claims. When the case was considered again for hearing on Monday VK Upadhyaya, Under Secretary of Home Ministry who appeared on IB's behalf submitted the statement which categorically refuted the claims of the newspapers.

In a similar statement NIA also denied having shared any exclusive information with the defending newspapers. Only Sunday Guardian stuck to their argument that their report was based on IB and NIA sources. Justice Markandey Katju, the Chairman of the Council asked the newspaper to produce the basis for their report or to publish the denial statements of both IB and NIA.

Justice Katju pointed out that it is not the duty of the Council to order the media to reveal the source, but it is the duty of the newspaper to provide information about the source. The advocates appearing for PFI said that it was an organization working for the development of the community. It had contributed 10 Rs lakhs to Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the flood victims. Justice Katju said that it was unfair to blame an entire organization for some its members' crimes.

Since the very agencies have denied they shared information with the concerned newspapers the Council ordered them to publish the denial statement of the agencies. The Council also dismissed the Sunday Guardian's averment that it would affect the credibility of the newspaper.

According to a release issued by PFI, Justice Katju also asked Dainik Jagaran (Meerut) and Dainik Jagaran (Delhi) to publish a correction that PFI is not a terrorist organization. The Council also disposed of the complains of PFI against Inquilab, Navbharat Times, Deccan Chronicle and New Indian Express with an observation that they should be more careful with their facts while publishing reports.

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News Network
November 22,2025

Mangaluru: Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H has warned of strict action against individuals spreading rumours and attempting to create insecurity within the Muslim community and fuel hatred between Hindus and Muslims through social media.

Referring to a recent social media post alleging that police personnel had entered a masjid premises to check whether beef was being cooked, the commissioner said miscreants were attempting to push their communal agenda. 

“A group of people, both from Mangaluru and abroad, are trying hard to spread rumours. For the past 10 days, they have been attempting to rake up old issues, highlight routine matters as controversies, or fabricate news altogether,” he said.

He reiterated that any such attempts to disturb communal harmony would invite legal action. “Cases will be registered and the accused will be brought to book,” he stated.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 2,2025

karkala.jpg

Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

•    She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

•    Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

•    The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Bantwal: A domestic dispute appears to have led to a violent confrontation in BC Road area, where the owner of a textile shop was allegedly attacked with a knife by his wife on Wednesday evening.

Krishna Kumar Somayaji, the owner of Somayaji Textiles, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He is currently receiving care in the intensive care unit and is reported to have survived the assault, according to police.

The Bantwal Town police have registered a case against Somayaji's wife, Jyothi KT, who has since been taken into custody.

Police stated that the complainant, Namita, an employee at the shop, reported the sequence of events. She stated that around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the suspect entered the shop, wearing a burqa and disguised as a customer, before attacking Somayaji with a knife. The employee then transported the injured owner to a local hospital via an autorickshaw.

Superintendent of Police Arun K confirmed that an ongoing domestic dispute between Somayaji and his wife reportedly preceded the attack. Police noted that Jyothi KT had previously visited the shop and issued threats.

Based on the complaint, Bantwal Town police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Arms Act-1959. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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