The veteran intelligence officer lashed out at what he termed “Godi media” for spreading false claims about his alleged visit to Pakistan and warning that such misinformation could harm India’s national security image.
NEW DELHI — Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief A.S. Dulat has firmly denied and strongly condemned recent allegations suggesting he visited Pakistan in recent days. Dulat accused sections of the Indian media of deliberately spreading misinformation in an attempt to malign his reputation.
In a heated interview that has since gone viral, A.S. Dulat, a respected figure in India’s intelligence community, dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” and “propaganda.” He sharply questioned the credibility of the sources behind the claims and challenged the journalists involved to present concrete evidence.
“Why will you come to me? On what pretext will this report come to me? You’re asking me if I was in Pakistan four days ago? I think you work for the ISI!” Dulat said, visibly agitated. “Who told you that? Someone said? If you’re not ready to tell me who, what’s the point of this conversation? This is propaganda. You are part of the propaganda.”
The confrontation began when a journalist, identified by Dulat as part of the “Godi media” — a term commonly used to describe outlets seen as favouring the government and indulging in sensationalism — pressed him on the allegation of his recent trip to Pakistan. Dulat’s sharp rebuke included explicit language and an insistence that the report was fabricated to harm his standing.
“When you are lying, it’s okay, but I was not lying. Who is calling me what? You old bastard, tell me who said I was in Pakistan four days ago!” he exclaimed during the interview, demanding transparency and accountability from the reporter.
Observers note that Dulat’s strong reaction reflects growing tensions between Indian public figures and parts of the media often accused of biased and irresponsible journalism. Political analyst Arjun Sharma commented, “When a figure like Dulat, who has served the nation at the highest levels, is targeted with unverified claims, it undermines trust in the media. He was right to call it out.”
However, some experts advised caution, suggesting that while the allegations were baseless, public figures should respond with restraint. “His response was aggressive and could have been handled more calmly,” noted Priya Menon, media studies professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “Still, the media must verify their claims before publication.”
A.S. Dulat’s career includes leading India’s premier intelligence agency from 1999 to 2000, a period marked by heightened tensions with Pakistan. His expertise in regional security has made him a sought-after commentator on India-Pakistan relations. However, his bluntness has sometimes drawn criticism.
Sources close to Dulat insist the Pakistan visit allegation is part of a targeted campaign to defame him, possibly due to his outspoken criticism of government policies. “This is a deliberate attempt to paint him as unpatriotic,” said a former colleague on condition of anonymity. “A.S. Dulat has always put India first, and to suggest otherwise is absurd.”
The media outlet responsible for the claim has not issued any clarification, and the journalist involved has remained silent following Dulat’s public rebuttal. Meanwhile, social media users have rallied in support of the former RAW chief. One Twitter user wrote, “Finally, someone called out the Godi media for their lies!”
This episode has sparked fresh debate about media ethics in India, with many accusing certain outlets of prioritising political agendas over factual reporting, especially on sensitive national security issues. Dulat’s forceful denial and demand for accountability serve as a stark reminder of the responsibility media holds when reporting on public figures tied to the country’s safety.
Concluding the interview, Dulat reaffirmed his dedication to India. “I’ve served my country with honour,” he said. “Let them say what they want. I know the truth.”
