The Controversy Surrounding Australian Journalist Avani Dias Explained

Avani Dias, formerly the host of the current affairs show Hack on Triple J, a youth radio station, recently published a video report on YouTube regarding India’s alleged involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. She was recognized with the Public Interest Award at the New South Wales Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards in 2019 and has been the recipient of various journalistic awards. However, Dias claims that she was asked to leave India abruptly and was not allowed to cover the Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, she was found to have violated visa rules while pursuing her professional work, but she asserts that her reporting was the reason for being denied a visa extension and election accreditation.

Dias contends that the Modi government informed her that her reporting “crossed a line,” leading to the denial of her visa extension and election accreditation. She states that she received minimal support from the Australian government, and depicts a situation in which she was compelled to leave India due to governmental pressure. However, Australian officials maintain that Dias chose to leave the country voluntarily, despite the Indian authorities extending her visa. The Indian authorities dispute Dias’ claims, emphasizing that she was permitted to cover election activities outside of booths, and asserting that her previous visa was valid until April 20, 2024.

The situation remains contentious, with conflicting accounts from both sides.