Editors' body urges EC to inquire into Cobrapost's 'sting'

He worked for a long time in the circulation department of The Times of India while trying to gain a foothold in the film industry. He looked after circulation of the paper in Bengal, Orissa and Bihar and was required to tour 20 days a month. He used to cut his touring time by calling the agents to come and meet him at the station so that he could quickly return. This way a tour that would normally take 20 days would get completed in 12, and he would spend the rest of the time trying to pursue his passion. At that time, circulation of TOI was also low in many of these places: Who is he?

The All India Newspaper Editors' Conference (AINEC) today asked the Election Commission (EC) to inquire thoroughly the matter related to web portal Cobrapost's sting operation in which some media houses allegedly showed willingness "to influence electoral outcome for a price". “We are neither aware of its correctness nor represent either side but the story on the face of it cannot be ignored. It is essential to go to the bottom of the contents to ascertain its veracity for the purity of electoral process and survival of democracy,” AINEC President Vishwa Bandhu Gupta said in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat.

If the story is correct, he said "it would lead to destruction of democratic polity" but if not, it would be “no less damaging”.

“Eventually the matter must be inquired into thoroughly as the elections are conducted under your direction, superintendence and control…,” he added.

Gupta said it is considered appropriate that the EC may take stock of situation and get the matter investigated thoroughly to ascertain the truth and take future necessary action as may be required.

News website 'Cobrapost' had come with a sting alleging that some media organisations' representatives were willing to publicise some "agenda" for revenue.