Australian journalist leaves India over visa issues

The Chief of Bureau of Australia’s state-run news outlet in New Delhi has stated that she had to leave India ‘abruptly’ after government officials denied her a visa-extension. The public announcement by Avani Dias, the journalist came after she and her team from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) were questioned by an officer from the Criminal Intelligence Department when they were producing a programme on the Indian government’s alleged targeted assasination of pro-Khalistan separatists in western countries. Sources here have described her version as “misleading”.

“Last week, I had to leave India abruptly. The Modi Government told me my visa extension would be denied, saying my reporting “crossed a line”. After Australian Government intervention, I got a mere two-month extension…less than 24 hours before my flight. We were also told my election accreditation would not come through because of an Indian Ministry directive,” said Ms Dias in a post on ‘X’.

Last week, I had to leave India abruptly. The Modi Government told me my visa extension would be denied, saying my reporting "crossed a line". After Australian Government intervention, I got a mere two-month extension ...less than 24 hours before my flight. 1/2