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Outrage against The Print for 'leaking' Sheikh Hasina's location; The journalist doesn't answer

Ananya Bharadwaj of The Print has come under fire after she revealed the whereabouts of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, in a recent article.

NEW DELHI: Ananya Bharadwaj by The pressure, a digital news publisher that competes with The new Indianhas come under fire after its recent article exposed the whereabouts of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who is currently living under protective custody in India.

Until the article is published in The pressure,Neither the Government of India nor any police official nor the Government of Bangladesh have commented on Hasina's stay in India or her asylum status, taking into account her civil liberties, security threat, etc.

The revelation in the article sparked outrage on social media and among prominent journalists.

The headline read Sheikh Hasina is under tight security in Lutyens' Delhi and leaves the Hindon basesparked intense criticism and a flood of questions about the news portal's intention in disclosing Hasina's whereabouts.

In response, the Hindu IT Cell has lodged a formal complaint with the Home Ministry against the media company for violating the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

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In conversation with The new IndianAkshit Singh, founding member of the Hindu IT Cell, said, “I have lodged a complaint with the Home Ministry against Ananya Bharadwaj of The Print over security concerns for VIP guest Sheikh Hasina.” Her status as an unofficial guest makes the leaked information unacceptable and puts her life at risk in danger. We demand to know the motives behind this reporting and call on the Interior Ministry to take action for violation of the Official Secrets Act.”

The complaint highlights the serious consequences of disclosing such sensitive information, particularly as Sheikh Hasina faces threats from her political opponents in Bangladesh. Singh stressed that publishing the article could be considered treason and should not be tolerated in the name of press freedom.

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When I was asked for a comment by The new IndianAnanya Bharadwaj declined to comment on the issue, leaving many questions unanswered about the editorial decisions behind the publication of her article.

The situation raises significant concerns about the balance between press freedom and national security, particularly when it comes to sensitive political figures seeking refuge.

While the Home Office investigates the complaint, the implications of this case could set a precedent for how journalists report on matters involving foreign dignitaries and asylum seekers in the future.

The Hindu IT Cell continues to advocate for accountability and calls on the authorities to take swift action to address the alleged breach and protect the safety of Sheikh Hasina during her stay in India.

Outrage on social media over The Print's disclosure of sensitive information

The backlash against Bharadwaj's reporting was intense, with several senior media figures condemning her actions on social media.

Journalist Smita Deshmukh criticized the reporting standards of Indian journalists, saying, “Indian journalists do not understand the basics of their professional responsibilities.”

Rohan Dua, Editor-in-Chief of The new Indianwrote on sharing Hasina's stay in Delhi is reckless.” Dua demanded an FIR and the initiation of a test case against the publication for possible endangerment of the life of an asylum seeker.

Social media users expressed their outrage with @nalinirathnam posting: “Shame on you!!!!! How do you live with yourself?”

Another user @ShineHamesha asked: “Who in their right frame of mind would reveal the address of a woman hiding for her life? Gold standard journalism.”

There were also renowned social media influencers who commented on the topic. @OverHorizon404 commented: “How can you jeopardize the safety of a state guest? 101. What is the purpose of this story?” It contains details of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's current residence and the park where she walks. Irresponsible reporting by @ThePrintIndia, recklessly endangering security. I hope authorities investigate the source of this leak.”

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