The Controversy Surrounding Australian Journalist Avani Dias Explained

Avani Dias, former host of the current affairs program Hack on Triple J, has received recognition and nominations for journalistic awards. She posted a video on YouTube regarding India’s alleged role in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, as claimed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The 45-year-old Nijjar, chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was shot outside a gurdwara in Canada’s British Columbia. India has dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated”.

Dias claimed on the social media platform X that she was instructed to leave India abruptly and was not permitted to cover the Lok Sabha elections. She further stated that her visa extension was denied due to her reporting, and she was compelled to return to Australia.

However, Indian authorities contradicted her claims, stating that she had violated visa rules and was assured an extension for election coverage. They clarified that visa-holders are allowed to report on election activities outside of booths.

The dispute over Dias’ departure from India resurfaced when Australian officials expressed gratitude for the visa granted by the Indian government, despite Dias’ decision to leave the country on her own accord. This discord highlights the contrasting perspectives on the circumstances surrounding her departure.