Australian scribe’s allegations on forceful India departure misleading & mischievous

Avani Dias, South Asia Correspondent of Australian Broadcasting Corporation(ABC)’s contention that she was not allowed to cover elections and was compelled to leave the country is not correct, misleading and mischievous, sources told ET.

Dias was found to have violated visa rules  while undertaking her professional pursuits. Inspite of this, on her request, she was  assured that her visa  would be extended for the coverage of the general elections, sources informed. Her previous visa was valid till 20th April 2024.

“She paid the visa fee on 18th April and her visa was extended till end June the same day. She, however, chose to leave India on 20th April. At the time of her departure she held a valid visa and her extension of visa stood approved,” an informed source said: 

Her point about not been  given permission to cover elections is also factually incorrect. Coverage of election activities outside of booths is permitted to all Journalist Visa holders, sources informed. 

Authority letters are required only for access to polling booths 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 informed.

ABC’s documentary, titled “Sikhs, Murder and Spies” and aired on March 21, was shot without appropriate permissions, sources said. 

Dias had alleged that she had to leave India “abruptly” as the government told her an extension of her visa would be denied as her reporting has “crossed a line”.