- CBI registers case against NDTV co-founders Prannoy Roy, Radhika Roy, a private company, and others
- Raids were conducted at four locations, including Dehradun, and Roy’s residence in New Delhi
- The case is allegedly related to a loan default, causing a loss of Rs 48 crore to a private bank
- NDTV said it will “fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies”
Editors Guild Condemns Attempts to “Muzzle the Media”
The Editors Guild of India expressed its concern over the raids conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the offices of NDTV and its promoters today.
In a statement it said:
Entry of police and other agencies into the media offices is a serious matter...While the Editors Guild maintains that no individual or institution is above the law, the Guild condemns any attempt to muzzle the media and calls upon the CBI to follow the due process of law and ensure there is no interference in the free functioning of news operations.
NDTV Says it Repaid ICICI Loans in Official Statement
NDTV expressed shock that the CBI conducted searched on the NDTV offices and residence of its promoters without conducing a preliminary enquiry. The statement said that the loan was repaid to ICICI by Prannoy and Radhika Roy more than seven years ago and offered proof of it in the form of an attachment.
NDTV and its promoters have never defaulted on any loan to ICICI or any other bank. We adhere to the highest levels of integrity and independence. It is clearly the independence and fearlessness of NDTV’s team that the ruling party’s politicians cannot stomach and the CBI raid is merely another attempt at silencing the media.NDTV Statement
The statement also accused "disgruntled former consultant" of NDTV Sanjay Dutt of making false allegations.
So far, he has not obtained a single order from any of these courts. Legal analysts are astounded that where courts have rejected giving any order in all these years, the CBI conducts raids based on what is a private complaint.NDTV Statement
CBI Denies 'Witch-Hunt' Allegations
In its briefing, the CBI said the Prevention of Corruption Act has been levied because of the Supreme Court’s judgment in 2016, which says that if any Private bank official is involved in passing undue favour to a company, then it can be registered under the PC ACT.
CBI strongly denies the witch-hunt allegations levelled by NDTV and said the agency was following procedures laid in the law.CBI Spokesperson