M A I N   N E W S

The Tribune refutes SAD chief’s charges

Reacting to an investigative series launched by The Tribune detailing the business interests of the Badal, Majithia and Kairon families, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday issued a press note alleging that it was a "deliberate conspiracy… aimed at hitting the Badal family on the eve of the Parliamentary elections". He said that this was being done at the behest of the Congress.

The Tribune strongly condemns and refutes outright all such ill-conceived allegations. The present series on the business interests of members of the Punjab Cabinet and their families is the result of an investigation conducted over a period, and is entirely based on documentary evidence. Once all information required, along with evidence, had been collected and verified, The Tribune saw it prudent to not withhold it from its readers who have reposed trust in the paper of 133 years' standing. The Tribune has at all times upheld the highest traditions of unbiased, fair and credible journalism.

The Tribune is appalled that the SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister in his statement has gone on to launch a diatribe against the newspaper, which constitutes an attack on the freedom of the Press. It is unfortunate that he has even accused a senior member of the editorial team of bias. The Tribune strongly disapproves of the personal attack and refutes all allegations. The series was the result of team effort which observed all rigours of editorial discretion.

Mr Sukhbir Badal's note on Monday did not point out any error in the stories carried thus far. The Tribune on its part made all efforts to carry the versions of crucial people named in the reports.

The Tribune assures its readers that it shall continue its work in the highest professional traditions as ever.

Raj Chengappa

Editor-in-Chief

The Tribune Group of Publications