News Anchor Aman Chopra who screamed “Ashraf, Ashraf” in Mahalaskhmi case, now tight-lipped
Accused Mukti Ranjan Roy was found dead in Odisha
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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Kannada director K Ramnarayan removes Sonu Nigam’s song following language row
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Bengaluru: The director, K. Ramnarayan, has announced the removal of a song sung by Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam from his upcoming Kannada film Kuladalli Keelyavudo. The removal follows a backlash over the singer's remarks at a recent Bengaluru concert, in which he allegedly linked a fan's Kannada song request to the Pahalgam terror tragedy.
In an official press statement, the filmmaker said, "There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a good singer. But we are very upset by how he spoke about Kannada recently at a concert.”
The removed song, 'Manasu Haadtade,' composed by Manomurthy and penned by Yogaraj Bhat, which was recorded three months ago and gained popularity with the masses, will now be re-recorded with local Kannada singer Chethan, who will lend his voice for the film version.
Director Ramnarayan stressed the team’s stance, saying, “We cannot tolerate the insult that Sonu Nigam has done to Kannada, so we have removed the song.” Producer Santosh Kumar added that the decision is final and that Sonu Nigam will not be considered for any future collaboration.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce also declared on Monday that it would no longer extend cooperation to the singer.
