New Delhi, February 1: Microblogging site Twitter on Monday withheld the official Twitter accounts of Caravan India, Kisan Ekta Morcha and Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati. The development came amid ongoing farmers’ protest at Delhi borders. Sources informed news agency ANI that Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEITY) directed Twitter to block around 250 Twitter accounts which were using 'Modi Planning Farmer Genocide' hashtag and making fake, intimidatory and provocative Tweets on January 30.Farmers' Protest: MHA Extends Suspension of Internet in Delhi's Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri Borders Till Tomorrow Night.

Several other Twitter accounts which were suspended, include that of activist Hansraj Meena, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jarnail Singh, CPIM leader Mohammed Salim, TV actor Sushant Singh and Journalist Sanyukta Basu. According to reports, the Carvan India’s account has been in response to a legal demand. Prasar Bharati has also raised objection over the suspension of Vempati’s account. Prasar Bharati also demaned an explaination from Twitter India. It tweeted, “Dear @twitter @TwitterIndia  could you explain the grounds for witholding CEO Prasar Bharati’s twitter handle @shashidigital  in India ? Twitterati Outrage Over ‘Swara Bhaskar’ Urban Dictionary Meaning, Fans Ask Twitter To Take Action.

Tweet by ANI: 

Tweet by Prasar Bharati: 

Netizens, including some journalists, questioned the action taken by Twitter against caravan India. Carvan India’s executive editor Vinod K Jose asked people to subscribe the magazine. He tweeted, “While Twitter withheld Caravan’s official handle without informing us, you can still access the magazine from the website. Those who don’t have subscriptions, you could take one here: https://caravanmagazine.in/subscribe India needs bold fair journalism more than ever, now.”

Tweet by Vinod Jose:

Notably, Delhi police have registered an FIR against The Caravan magazine for allegedly spreading misinformation that a farmer died due to police firing at the ITO intersection in Delhi on January 26 during the Tractor Rally against the three farm laws. The Caravan has always been a critic of the ruling dispensation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2021 03:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).