The Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) published a story about a new scheme approved by the Cabinet of Ministers chaired by the Prime Minister himself in which the word ‘Bakhch*d’ was used as Narendra Modi’s middle name. The story started doing the rounds after Nishant Saxena, a correspondent for exchange4media, raised the issue on Twitter.
Something huge happening! @ians_india, a news agency, gives out a story to news portal about a scheme in which the PM is referred to as “Narendra Bakhchod Modi” pic.twitter.com/suodTVDAhh
— Nishant Saxena (@nishant9717) September 13, 2018
Saxena’s claim was corroborated by Republic TV journalist Nalini Sharma as well. The news has now been picked up by several other media outlets.
Massive Blunder: News agency @ians_india puts out a story about the new scheme approved by the Cabinet being chaired by Prime Minister “Narendra Bakchod Modi”. pic.twitter.com/lxrvX46ZdY
— Nalini ? (@nalinisharma_) September 13, 2018
Saxena further stated that after some time a news advisory was issued by the agency which read, “IANS is withdrawing a story “Cabinet approves scheme on remunerative crop prices” which moved at 1756 hours. It contains inaccuracies. Please guard against its publication. A substitute version has moved at 1844 hours.”
The reporter in whose name the story was published was suspended with immediate effect and the concerned editor has been issued a show-cause notice. IANS has stated that an investigation has been launched into the matter.
UPDATE: The IANS reporter in whose name the story was published has been suspended with immediate effect. The concerned editor has been issued a showcause notice. @ians_india says “investigation” is underway.
— Nalini ? (@nalinisharma_) September 13, 2018
Meanwhile, there are fears that more people could lose their jobs over the fiasco. The webcache of the original story can still be accessed here.
