Australian journalist Avani Dias’s declare that she was not allowed to cowl elections and was compelled to depart India is wrong, deceptive, and mischievous, official sources stated on Tuesday.
Avani Dias, who’s South Asia Correspondent of the Australian Broadcasting Company, left India on April 20. Dias had alleged that she was informed a routine visa extension can be denied by the federal government. She claimed that she was knowledgeable concerning the resolution over cellphone by a Ministry of Exterior Affairs official, who stated her most up-to-date episode of International Correspondent on YouTube “crossed a line”.
Nevertheless, authorities sources stated that Dias was in violation of visa guidelines whereas “undertaking her professional pursuits”.
“In spite of this, on her request, she was assured that her visa would be extended for the coverage of the general elections,” sources stated.
Dias’s earlier visa was legitimate until April 20 and he or she paid the visa payment on April 18. Her visa was prolonged until the top of June the identical day, sources stated.
The sources stated that Dias “chose to leave India” on April 20.
“At the time of her departure, she held a valid visa and her extension of visa stood approved. Her point about not being permitted to cover elections is also factually incorrect,” sources stated.
Protection of election actions outdoors of cubicles is permitted to all Journalist Visa holders, sources stated, including that authority letters are required just for entry to polling cubicles and counting stations.
“This, however, cannot be processed while the visa extension is under process. It is pertinent to note that other ABC correspondents – Meghna Bali and Som Patidar – have already received their letters,” sources stated.