NDTV ‘strongly denies’ report on Mumbai bureau chief asked to ‘create ruckus’

On September 11, Newslaundry published a detailed report on how NDTV’s bureau chief in Mumbai quit after he was allegedly asked to disrupt Rahul Gandhi’s press meet.

Newslaundry had learned from sources within the channel that bureau chief Sohit Mishra had been allegedly instructed to disrupt the press meet by the channel’s editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia.

On September 13, NDTV released a statement on Twitter, now X, saying it “strongly denies” the accusations that its leadership had sought to “create a ruckus or change the narrative” at a press conference. 

Though the statement doesn’t mention the Newslaundry report, it notes that a “false story” in a media publication suggested so, and that it strongly denies the “malicious accusations”.

Here’s the full text of the statement: 

“A false story aimed at questioning NDTV’s credibility had come out in a media publication. NDTV strongly denies these malicious accusations aimed at damaging our reputation and credibility. As a responsible media house, our senior editors frequently speak with reporters to guide/advise/discuss stories. At no point has anyone been asked to ‘create a ruckus or change the narrative’ at a press conference as maliciously alleged. As always, NDTV will continue to report all stories in an objective, independent and unbiased manner.”

You can read Newslaundry’s report here. It’s behind the paywall so if you’re not a subscriber yet, subscribe today.