Punjab Kesari Faces 'Intimidation' Raids Amidst Government Tensions

The Punjab Kesari newspaper group has accused the Punjab government of orchestrating multiple enforcement raids in retaliation for a news report critical of the ruling party. These actions are alleged to intimidate and economically coerce the press. The group has called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to investigate.

In a letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Kesari newspaper group alleges targeted enforcement raids by various authorities. These events reportedly began after the publication of a news story that critically examined the opposition's allegations against the AAP's national convenor.

The group claims these raids are attempts to intimidate the media and undermine press freedom, citing multiple actions against the Chopra family and businesses linked to Punjab Kesari. Key actions include hotel and printing press raids, show cause notices, and license cancellations.

Pleading for an investigation, the group invokes its historical commitment to free journalism and warns that such intimidation threatens both democracy and media integrity, especially as the Punjab elections approach.

(With inputs from agencies.)