Modi's disinformation cell in US exposed
Washington: The Washington Post has published a comprehensive report uncovering an alleged propaganda operation by the Modi government in the United States, referred to as the Disinfo Lab. According to the report, this cell has been established to tarnish and suppress critics through sophisticated tactics.
The investigation reveals that India has deployed a social media cell in the U.S. to bolster the personal image of Prime Minister Modi and stifle dissenting voices, leading to a surge in its activities. The Disinfo Lab, as detailed by The Washington Post, is accused of engaging in a campaign to defame and harass opponents on various social media platforms.
The report discloses that the disinfo lab systematically linked individuals and organizations critical of Modi to Islamic or militant groups, framing the criticism as part of a global conspiracy against the Indian Prime Minister. Additionally, the lab allegedly exposed connections between American billionaire George Soros, a vocal Modi critic, and the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as Pakistani intelligence agencies.
Washington Post's investigation contends that the disinfo lab's narrative suggests the world fears India's progress under Modi's leadership. It further claims that journalists on Modi's payroll utilize fake investigative reports as sources on news channels and global media.
The report identifies 250 Twitter accounts responsible for spreading disinformation from the lab, including 35 purportedly belonging to Modi ministers, 14 to government officials, and 61 to journalists allegedly on Modi's payroll. The Post asserts that the disinfo lab was established in 2020 by Lt. Col. Satpathy, an officer of the Indian intelligence agency RAW, and has released 28 reports, all of which are reported to be anti-Pakistan and pro-Modi.
Furthermore, The Washington Post alleges that Colonel Satpathi, operating under the pseudonym Shakti, has been actively lobbying international broadcasters to air content favoring India and opposing Pakistan and China.
Recalling events from January 2023, Elon Musk claimed that the Modi government pressured Twitter to remove anti-Modi tweets. In February of the same year, BBC offices were reportedly raided for airing an anti-Modi documentary, and in March, Rahul Gandhi's membership was suspended for criticizing Modi.
