02/08/2025
A press conference was held on 31st July, 2025 where Mr. Amod K Kanth, IPS Retd. Ex. DIG (Investigation)
CBI and Founder, Prayas and Allied Organisations addressed serious concerns regarding the web series
The Hunt – The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case being aired on Sony LIV.
A Welcome Note and the context was set by Mr. Amitabh Srivastav, a senior journalist and a long associate of Mr.Kanth
The conference then started with the statement of Mr.Kanth, who addressed serious concerns in the
light of his key role in the investigation, strongly criticizing the series for distorted facts, falsely depicted
events and defaming himself (including Late SP Mr. Amit Verma), and the Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI) as a whole. He particularly took objection to the usage of real names and identities without
consent, unethical dramatizations, including custodial torture, use of abusive language, and an
objectionable arrest scene of a young female along with inaccurate portrayal of events being
professionally disgraceful. According to him, such fictional liberties damage not only his long-standing
reputation but also the integrity of the CBI and the officers who handled one of India’s most complex
and high-profile investigations with dedication and adherence to the law.
Mr. Kanth narrated the correct sequence of actual events, clearly contrasting them with the misleading
and defamatory content shown in the series. From the immediate response after Rajiv Gandhi’s
assassination to the meticulous forensic procedures and lawful interrogations by the team led by Mr.
D.R Kartikeyan, he outlined how every step followed due process none of which is reflected faithfully in
the web series. Mr. Kanth objected to the portrayal of the crime scene being tampered by P.
Chandrashkran, Director, TNFSL. He emphasized that the investigation team, under the leadership of IG
D.R. Karthikeyan and with contributions from officers like the late Mr. Amit Verma, worked with utmost
professionalism and integrity. The depiction of the LTTE suspects, misuse of sensitive content, and the
wrongful dramatization of CBI actions have, in Mr. Kanth’s view, diluted the legacy of a historic
investigation and defamed those who can no longer defend themselves. He made references to his own
book, ‘Khaki in Dust Storm’ where the actual case details are documented, and also cited an interview
of the series director to highlight how facts have been distorted and misrepresented and how
irresponsibly the story has been put for the larger audience to see.
Mr. Kanth was joined on the dais by Major General Manik Sabharwal, the then Officer Commanding of
the NSG Bomb Disposal Unit, who was instrumental in the forensic analysis of the IED used in the
assassination. General Sabharwal described how, soon after the incident, he was deployed to Madras
and he examined key forensic evidence including ball bearings, wires, toggle switches, and remnants of
the su***de bombers vest. Based on his findings, he confirmed the use of a su***de vest containing a
Singapore Fragmentation Gr***de (SFG) initiated by dual toggle switches and powered by a 9-volt
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battery. He clarified that the actual technical investigation was conducted by his team in coordination
with Mr. Kanth’s team not by Mr. Chandrasekharan alone, as inaccurately portrayed in the series.
General Sabharwal emphasized that interpreting explosive devices requires deep technical expertise,
which the show failed to reflect.
Refuting the series’ misrepresentation being a team member, he emphasized: “I vouch for it that neither
does Mr. Amod Kanth smoke, nor does he abuse, nor would he ever be a person who would mount on
the lady as shown in the series. And neither is he a person who showcases torture. He is absolutely anti-
torture.”
Joining the press conference was Seasoned Supreme Court Lawyer, Advocate Rajan Raj expressed his
grave concern over the legal and ethical breaches committed by the web series The Hunt – The Rajiv
Gandhi Assassination Case. He stated that the series not only defames individual CBI officers but also
maligns the institution as a whole by misrepresenting its investigative practices. Advocate Rajan Raj
emphasized that when real names and events are used, content creators have a duty to maintain
documentary-level integrity and not exploit such material for mere entertainment and commercial
gains. He asserted that the series crosses that critical line and compromises national values. Highlighting
the lack of regulatory oversight on streaming platforms, he warned that such unchecked disinformation,
could have serious implications for public perception and national integrity, and may soon require
judicial intervention to establish boundaries for permissible creative liberties.
Mr. Dilip Sharan, former CEO of a sports media channel, said there must be clear regulatory boundaries
to define how far creative liberties can go, especially when real people and events are involved. Citing
the 2019 Consumer Protection Act’s stance against misleading advertisements, he argued that similar
safeguards should apply to media content. He expressed concern that Mr. Kanth’s decades-long
reputation had been unfairly damaged, impacting not just his personal credibility but also the values and
public trust associated with the organization, Prayas he represents. Mr. Sharan noted that while The
Hunt includes fictional elements, it ends with a factual summary, misleading viewers into believing
everything shown is true. He questioned how much truth can ethically be distorted for entertainment
and called for clear guidelines to prevent such misrepresentation.
He was further supported by Dr. Rajy Narayan, an eminent heart cardiologist from UK who joined said
that accountability must be ensured, as people tend to believe what they see.
Veteran filmmaker Mr. Jaswin Jassi strongly objected to the series, criticizing it for presenting distorted
facts. He expressed concern over OTT platforms taking undue liberties by showcasing unverified content
to the public without any checks or censorship. Raising a critical question, he asked who is ultimately
responsible for ensuring content accuracy is it the Censor Board, the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, or the Director of Information? He emphasized the need for proper approval and
verification mechanisms before such content is released.
The Supreme Court Advocate On Record (AOR) Ms. Mohini Priya mentioned about an ongoing Supreme
Court matter along the need for regulating the OTTs (web series) like The Hunt.
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The press conference thus highlighted serious concerns over the web series The Hunt for its distorted
portrayal of facts, defamation of individuals and the CBI, and irresponsible use of real names and events.
Experts stressed that such misrepresentations not only damage reputations but also undermine public
trust in key institutions. The discussion brought attention to the urgent need for stricter regulation of
OTT platforms, which currently operate with minimal oversight, allowing creative liberties that often
blur the line between fact and fiction. The collective call was clear: to ensure that sensitive, real-life
stories are told with accuracy, integrity, and respect, balancing creative freedom with responsibility.
