TIRUNELVELI
A couple of satellite television news channels, which presented a ‘story’ on ‘mysterious explosion’ inside or near the ISRO’s Propulsion Research Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri a couple of days ago, may face legal action as a complaint has been lodged against them with Panagudi police.
According to Superintendent of Police P.Ve. Arunshakthikumar, a cloud of dust emanated at ‘Kuravar Malai’ on the Western Ghats, about 15 km from ISRO’s Mahendragiri complex, a couple of days ago after limestone rocks slipped off the hillock due to heavy rain.
Even as it had been confirmed by forest and police personnel who visited the spot, the news was aired without verifying the facts.
“When a huge rock is brought down due to landslide caused by heavy rain, it could trigger a loud noise along with a cloud of dust,” Mr. Arunshakthikumar said.
Since the news was telecast without verification of facts, the IPRC administration apparently asked Central Industrial Security Force, which is taking care of the highly sensitive complex’s security, to file a formal complaint with the police against the reporters/channels.
CISF Commander at the IPRC, Mahendragiri, Ajayan said he had lodged a complaint. “A few reporters with vested interests are coming out with baseless reports on the IPRC for no reason. After beaming baseless news on “spotting of drone over the IPRC” a year ago, they have now come out with a story on ‘explosion’ without verifying the fact with us or the police. Hence, we’ve filed a complaint (against the reporters concerned),” Mr. Ajayan said.
Sources in the police said they were in the process of obtaining legal opinion on this issue before filing a first information report against the erring reporters.
