US Journalist Avani Dias Faces Visa Issues in India

According to a report, Australian journalist Avani Dias was found to have violated visa rules. This came to light in response to a question by a Pakistani reporter on the denial of visa renewal to Dias. US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel refused to comment on India’s visa policy but emphasized the importance of a free press in democracy.

Dias, a journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, claimed she was not allowed to cover the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and was forced to leave the country. However, sources indicated that her claims were inaccurate and misleading. They also highlighted that Dias had herself violated visa rules during her professional endeavors.

Despite Dias’s assertions, it was confirmed that she was assured an extension of her visa for the election coverage. Additionally, sources emphasized that her claims of not being permitted to cover elections were factually incorrect, as all visa-holder journalists are allowed to cover election activities outside of polling booths. During the press briefing, Patel also denied commenting on the Indian Government’s internal investigation report on the alleged assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

He referred to an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who had been charged with the murder-for-hire of Pannun as per the US Justice Department indictment. The indictment had also mentioned an Indian government employee’s involvement in foiling the assassination plot. The original headline is retained, and the story is published unedited from a syndicated feed.