Punjab Kesari alleges witch-hunt; govt says it was violating law

Despite what it termed “economic coercion”, the group said it continued independent reporting but soon faced what it described as a “relentless campaign” targeting members of the Chopra family and their businesses.

Detailing developments between January 11 and 15, the group referred to inspections and raids by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, GST and Excise departments at a Jalandhar hotel run by Chopra Hotels Private Limited. It also cited checks by the Factories Department at its printing presses in Ludhiana and Jalandhar, actions by the Punjab Pollution Control Board at the hotel and presses, cancellation of excise licences, and disconnection of electricity at the Jalandhar hotel.

The group further flagged heavy police deployment outside its printing presses at Suranussi in Jalandhar, Focal Point in Ludhiana and IGC in Bathinda, expressing apprehension that this could disrupt newspaper operations.

Responding to the allegations, the Punjab government, in a press release issued late evening, rejected what it termed a “vendetta narrative”, stating that the action was based on serious and documented violations detected by statutory authorities.

The government said excise violations were found at the Park Plaza hotel in Jalandhar, including storage of over 800 liquor bottles at unapproved locations, absence of mandatory holograms and QR codes, and sale of expired draught beer. These, it said, led to suspension of licences after due process.

It also cited environmental violations, including discharge of untreated effluent into sewer lines, a non-functional sewage treatment plant, expired consents under the Water and Air Acts, and lapses related to hazardous waste.

Stating that freedom of the press does not extend to violations of excise, environmental or labour laws, the government said laws apply equally to all.

The Opposition, however, rallied around. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said on X: “Freedom of the press is the backbone of democracy. The serious allegations by the Punjab Kesari Group of a targeted witch-hunt through multiple government departments are deeply disturbing.”

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Badal also tweeted her support for the group. “The SAD expresses solidarity with the Punjab Kesari group and condemns the undeclared Emergency declared against the media by AAP,” she wrote.

BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar termed the government action “an attack on the freedom of press”.