Arnab Goswami’s Republic Bharat faces criticism for spreading misinformation, hate
New Delhi: Republic Bharat, Arnab Goswami’s news channel, has come under fire for broadcasting alleged misinformation and engaging in communal propaganda. Several recent incidents have raised questions about the channel’s credibility and accountability.
One of the recent controversies involves Republic Bharat airing a fabricated story claiming that former US President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pleading for help to control wildfires in California. The channel claimed that Modi sent helicopters to assist the US. The story was widely criticised for its lack of evidence, with even the Ministry of External Affairs remaining silent on the matter. Critics questioned the plausibility of helicopters being dispatched from India to the US, labelling the report as absurd.
In another instance, the channel broadcasted visuals using AI-generated images of Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Elon Musk, and Hollywood celebrities like Will Smith and John Cena purportedly taking a dip in the Ganga during the Kumbh Mela. The video also claimed that Muslim countries were alarmed by these developments, further stoking communal tensions. Viewers and media experts have slammed such content as "sensationalist and baseless."
Once a dominant player in the Indian news market, Republic Bharat has witnessed a significant decline in TRP ratings, now ranking fifth behind channels like News18, Aaj Tak, and India TV. To revive its viewership, the channel appears to have resorted to old tactics such as inviting Pakistani panellists on debates to provoke controversies. In one such debate, a Pakistani panellist insulted and mocked the late Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. Arnab Goswami did not intervene during the remarks, which sparked outrage online but failed to elicit a substantial response from authorities or the public.
Republic Bharat has also been accused of perpetuating anti-Muslim propaganda through its coverage. Analysts argue that the channel consistently airs narratives designed to spread hatred against Muslims, often relying on unverified or fabricated claims. Many believe this contributes to a divisive atmosphere in the country.
These controversies have further tarnished the reputation of Republic Bharat. Media observers have criticised the channel for stooping to sensationalism and misinformation, with some calling it a "low point in Indian journalism." Critics argue that such practices undermine the trust and integrity of the press.
Despite the widespread backlash, Republic Bharat continues its operations without any regulatory intervention giving birth to concerns about the lack of accountability for spreading misinformation. Many viewers are now calling for stricter action against channels that prioritise sensationalism over truthful reporting.
For past year there were hardly anyone watching Arnab's News Channel @republic or @Republic_Bharat
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) January 17, 2025
To revive his channel's viewership, he has adopted old tricks.
1. Arnab invites Pakistanis for debates so that they can abuse Indians, In this particular debate, The pakistani… pic.twitter.com/zIl8wq78xW
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Ex-Army officer assaulted, robbed at gunpoint by woman he met through matrimonial website
Mathura(UP), Apr 5 (PTI): A retired Army colonel from Haryana has filed a police complaint here, alleging that he was held hostage, assaulted, looted and forced to participate in an "obscene video" at gunpoint with a woman he met through a matrimonial website, police said on Saturday.
The woman from Mathura, who was allegedly in on the plan to rob him, was working with other accomplices, the ex-armyman said in his complaint filed on Thursday.
According to Barsana Station House Officer (SHO) Raj Kamal Singh, Colonel Rajneesh Soni (retired), a resident of Gurugram, reported that he was contacted by a woman from Barsana on a matrimonial website in January. The woman allegedly agreed to marry him, and they began communicating.
The woman allegedly persuaded the colonel to visit Barsana on January 25, requesting that he visit the Radharani temple. When he arrived, she arranged for his stay at a guest house and took him on a tour of the area, including a visit to the temple, the complainant said.
After returning to the guest house, the woman and her accomplices allegedly told the colonel that her brother had been involved in an accident and they needed to leave immediately. They then led him to a waiting car.
"Once outside the town limits, the colonel alleges that he was attacked by the occupants of the car. They seized his phone, physically assaulted him, and forced him to contact relatives and friends to transfer money," the SHO said.
"He was then taken back to the guest house, where he was allegedly forced to participate in obscene videos and photographs at gunpoint. He was threatened that the videos would be made public if he reported the incident," the officer said.
The colonel has alleged that his purse, bag, gold chain, debit card and Rs. 12,000 in cash were stolen from the guest house.
After an unsuccessful attempt at locating the perpetrators himself, the colonel finally reported the incident to the Barsana police two days ago, he said.
"A case has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS and all facts are being investigated. Further action will be taken as per facts found in the investigation," the SHO said.
