Barkha Dutt 'under sustained surveillance, getting threats'

NEW DELHI: High-profile journalist and former NDTV Group Managing Editor Barkha Dutt claimed on Thursday that she and her family are under constant surveillance and that she has received veiled threats and "messages" from the Establishment.In a a series of five tweets, she said that a big meeting had been held on how to stop her projects, which reportedly include a new television news channel. Dutt also expressed the hope that Information & Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore would take note of the "chilling threats".

"Those who conveyed the message to me today said a big meeting was held on how to stop me and my projects. I was told tools will include tapping my phone, income tax cases, smear, surveillance. was advised debugging and personal security and to not proceed with my new work."

"All this while I thought Indian Democracy would keep me safe and keep my rights as a private citizen intact. Today it is conveyed to me that sections of the Establishment have decided to use any tool available to stop me from working. I am placing this in the public domain," tweeted Dutt.