Known for carrying out ‘sting’ operations, Cobrapost played a prank with the media on Tuesday by inviting it for a “big exposé” on breach of national security and presence of foreign Intelligence agencies in Delhi, and serving them a “comic book” instead.
Addressing a well-attended Press conference, Cobrapost editor Aniruddha Bahal made a u-turn after initial introduction about the claimed exposé and declared that it was an event to release a comic book written by him.
While the journalists were understandably outraged, an unabashed Bahal said he gave false information about the Press conference knowing too well that he would not get media attention if he issued an invite for release of a comic book.
More than 100 reporters were present on the occasion and some TV channels even televised the event live. Relying on the Press release issued by Cobrapost, some newspapers even published reports on Tuesday about the ‘big exposé.’
“linked to the ISI and the Taliban, the group made a concerted effort to kidnap foreign diplomats and nationals in India amidst other nefarious activities. The group used the Delhi Golf Course as a hub for clandestine meetings. CCTV footage even shows some of them having discussions while playing golf,” said the invitation email of Cobrapost sent to all media houses on Monday.
Many senior reporters from national and international media gathered at the venue, sharp at 11.45 am for the “sensational exposé”. Several journalists were seen quarrelling with Bahal for fooling them and misusing his acquaintance with media.
The twitter was also flooded with the spoof, with many criticising the Cobrapost for its “desperate measure” to get attention, “cheap publicity stunt" and comparing it with the shepherd story who cried wolf.