French journalist claims Indian Home Ministry has served notice for ‘malicious’ reporting

French journalist Vanessa Dougnac has claimed to have received a notice from the Indian home ministry that alleged her work was “inimical” to national interests, reported AFP.

The news agency claimed she was “facing expulsion from India after two decades”, claiming that Indian authorities had termed her reportage “malicious and critical”.

AFP said Dougnac was a contributor to several French-language publications, including the weekly magazine Le Point, and has been based in India for 22 years.

AFP claimed the alleged notice said: “Her journalistic activities are malicious and critical in manner… they create biased perception about India. In addition, her activities may also provoke disorder and disturb peace.”

AFP said the said notice gave Dougnac, married to an Indian, until February 2 to challenge the ministry’s decision to cancel her permanent residency.

AFP claimed Dougnac had reported on issues such as Maoist Naxalite insurgency in parts of rural India. The news agency quoted the French journalist as having denied “all the allegations and imputations” made against her.

“India is my home, a country which I deeply love and respect, and I have never engaged in any acts that are in any manner prejudicial to Indian interests,” AFP quoted Dougnac.

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The AFP report also said the home ministry and foreign ministry were contacted for comment.