Noida-based journalist claims he was intimidated by representatives of Vaishnavi Communications after an allegedly defamatory story against the corporate lobbyist

Despite being a luminary in the corporate world, over the years Nira Radia had remained a rather unobtrusive figure in the public eye. The past few days have changed that. After her name emerged in a somewhat unflattering manner in connection to the alleged 2G spectrum scam, Radia is now being vigorously pursued by investigating officers and journalists alike. So, is the pressure starting to tell?u00a0


Inside story: Freelance journalist Anjum A Zaidi

A Noida-based media person has alleged that he has been receiving death threats from representatives of Vaishnavi Corporate Communications, a company owned by Radia, after publishing a probing story against her on his website.

Anjum A Zaidi, a freelance journalist and moderator of http://www.powerbuzz.in/, has registered an FIR against an unidentified person, who allegedly called him on October 8 and gave him death threats, demanding he drop his investigative story against Radia.

Bone of contention
"I did a series of stories against Nira Radia on October 8 and 9. I wrote that she was being quizzed by Enforcement Directorate (ED). At around 5.45 pm on the 8th of October, I was at Habitat Centre when I got a call from the number 9818481115. The person at the other end started enquiring about me. He then began abusing me and gave me death threats. He said I will lose my life if I continue pursuing this investigative story," Zaidi told MiD DAY.

In the FIR, Zaidi has complained that the caller had all his personal information. "The caller knew everything about me - my address, my car details and landline number. He even said if I do not stop he will 'take care' of my family members. So I gave a written complaint to the Noida police." he explained.

The evidence
A week later, Noida police called up Zaidiu00a0 and informed him that they have traced the number. It is registered on the address of Vaishnavi Communications, which is headed by Nira Radia.
"After knowing that the number is from Vaishnavi Communications, I am convinced that this is the handiwork of Nira Radia and her people," Zaidi maintained.u00a0

Noida police has confirmed that it has received complaints from both parties. "The number provided by Anjum Zaidi belonged to Vaishnavi Communications. So we have registered a case. But there is no recording of the calls," said a senior police officer.