Bengaluru/New Delhi: Aman Chopra, a prominent news anchor with News18 India, is under fire for attempting to communalize the tragic murder of a woman in Bengaluru. The body of Mahalakshmi, 29, was found chopped into 59 pieces inside a refrigerator at her residence on September 21, shocking the city and sparking intense media coverage.
In the early days of the investigation, Chopra focused on Mahalakshmi's acquaintance, a man named Ashraf, attempting to link the crime to what he suggested was a broader pattern of "love jihad," a term used by some to allege that Muslim men target Hindu women in relationships to convert them. On his prime-time show, Chopra repeatedly stressed Ashraf's name, insinuating that the crime had religious undertones.
However, the investigation took a turn when the prime suspect, Mukti Ranjan Roy, was found dead in Odisha. A suicide note discovered near his body revealed that Roy had a close relationship with Mahalakshmi and that a heated argument between the two had led to her death. The note also detailed Roy’s subsequent actions, including dismembering the body and fleeing Bengaluru.
Despite this development, which clearly pointed to a different suspect, Aman Chopra has remained conspicuously silent. His earlier attempts to communalize the case by drawing parallels with the high-profile Shraddha Walker murder case—where the accused was a Muslim—have now come under scrutiny.
This is not the first time Chopra has been criticized for such coverage. In previous instances, he has been accused of using similar tactics to inflame communal tensions by focusing on the religious identity of suspects in unrelated crimes. Critics argue that such coverage not only distorts the facts but also exacerbates divisions in society.
As the investigation into Mahalakshmi’s murder continues, authorities in Bengaluru and Odisha are working to piece together the full story. Meanwhile, the backlash against Chopra’s handling of the case has sparked debates about responsible journalism and the dangers of communalizing criminal cases.
News Anchor at Ambani's Channel @News18India was screaming "Ashraf" and trying to communalise the unfortunate death of Mahalakshmi, Now that it is clear that the accused is Mukti Ranjan Roy, @AmanChopra_ has gone back to his holes. pic.twitter.com/Gh7KHQiDz2
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) September 26, 2024
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New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched an online quiz on the national flag and 25 top-scoring participants in the age bracket of 21 to 29 will get an opportunity to visit Siachen with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The quiz, according to the ministry, will "foster patriotism and enhance awareness about the Indian National Flag."
"This online quiz, hosted on the MYBharat portal (mybharat.gov.in), invites all citizen to participate and test their knowledge about the Tricolour," the ministry stated.
It will consist of multiple-choice questions and all contestants will be awarded an e-certificate.
"As a grand incentive, 25 top-scoring participants will be selected for a remarkable opportunity to visit Siachen in the company of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya," the ministry said.
"The selection of winners for the Siachen visit will be limited to youth between the ages of 21 and 29. The final selection of the 25 winners will be conducted through a computer-based lottery system from the pool of top scorers," it added.