On Thursday, the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) instructed Aaj Tak, a Hindi news channel, to remove a video portraying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a thief, citing its fictional nature.

The NBDSA criticized the fictional video for its lack of taste and deemed it inappropriate, instructing Aaj Tak to remove it from their channel, YouTube, and any other online platforms where it may be hosted.

The controversial video aired during the broadcast of the 'Black and White' show on March 24, 2023. This broadcast followed Rahul Gandhi's conviction by a Surat court on March 23, 2023, for defamation due to his statement, "All thieves have Modi surname".

On March 31, 2023, Srinivas Bhadravathi Venkata, the National President of the Indian Youth Congress, lodged a complaint with the NBDSA. The complaint alleged that the contentious video was first shared on Aaj Tak's official Twitter handle and subsequently featured on the show "Black and White," hosted by the consulting editor of the channel.

The complaint alleged that the Aaj Tak anchor intentionally drew a malicious comparison between Gandhi and an individual accused and apprehended for robbery. This, despite being fully aware that Gandhi had been vocal in his opposition to the actions of Nirav Modi and was actively advocating for accountability from the Government of India.

The video was aired with the intent to create an impression among the public that Rahul Gandhi was implicated in a serious offense.

Hence, the complainant requested the immediate removal of the defamatory video from all platforms, accompanied by a broadcast of an unconditional apology on the channel.

The NBDSA noted that while the anchor presented a different narrative regarding the tweets, it was acknowledged by both parties that the tweets made by Priyanka Gandhi were accurately broadcasted by the broadcaster.

The NBDSA further observed that the fictional video aired during the broadcast, along with the narrative of the depicted robber's story and the implications it made regarding Rahul Gandhi's conviction, lacked taste and should have been refrained from airing.

In accordance with its findings, the NBDSA ordered the removal of the video from all of its platforms. Additionally, the broadcaster was advised to exercise caution when airing similar fictional content in future broadcasts. Advocate Kapil Madan represented the complainant in this matter.