ABP News apologises over false report on Neha Singh Rathore, singer threatens legal action

ABP News has issued a public apology after acknowledging that a report published on its digital platform concerning folk singer Neha Singh Rathore was factually incorrect, following widespread criticism and strong objections from the singer over its allegedly defamatory content. The controversy erupted on October 17 after the network circulated a report suggesting a connection between Rathore and an alleged sex racket at a hostel, prompting her to accuse the channel of attempting to damage her dignity and reputation. Although ABP Network subsequently admitted the factual error and expressed regret, Rathore rejected the apology and indicated that she would pursue legal action.

The disputed report featured footage of a purported police raid and a Hindi caption referring to an alleged sex racket at a hostel associated with Rathore. The singer objected to the use of her name and image in connection with the allegations, questioning the basis on which the network had linked her to the purported incident. The report drew criticism on social media, where users questioned the accuracy of the coverage and the editorial checks undertaken before its publication.

𝗔𝗕𝗣 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿

Following the controversy, ABP News issued a clarification through its official X account on October 17, acknowledging that the report carried on ABP Network's digital platform was factually incorrect. The network expressed regret over the erroneous publication and apologised for the lapse.

In its statement, the network said, "A news report concerning folk singer Neha Singh Rathore was broadcast on ABP Network's digital platform and was found to be factually incorrect. We regret this erroneous broadcast and apologise for it."

The admission followed Rathore's public objections to the report, which she said had falsely associated her identity with an alleged criminal activity. The network's clarification acknowledged the factual inaccuracy but did not provide a detailed explanation of how the error occurred or what verification procedures had been followed before the content was published.

The controversy has drawn attention to the responsibility of news organisations to verify allegations, particularly when reports involve identifiable individuals and potentially damaging claims. The use of a person's name or photograph alongside allegations of criminal activity can have serious reputational consequences, especially when the underlying information has not been independently established.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

Rathore, known for her Bhojpuri folk songs and commentary on political and social issues, reacted strongly to the report and accused the channel of attempting to portray her in a derogatory manner. In a series of posts on X, she questioned why her identity had been linked to the alleged incident and demanded an explanation from the network.

The singer alleged that the coverage was intended to humiliate her because she had repeatedly questioned the government through her songs and public statements. She also tagged the National Commission for Women, asking whether the statutory body would take notice of what she described as an attempt to undermine her dignity.

Rathore maintained that the publication had caused damage that could not be addressed merely through an apology. Rejecting the network's clarification, she said she wanted justice rather than an expression of regret and indicated that she intended to pursue the matter through legal channels.

"Court mein mulaqat hogi. Mujhe nyay chahiye, maafi nahi," she said in Hindi, meaning that she would seek justice through legal proceedings rather than accept an apology.

Her remarks signalled that the dispute could continue despite ABP Network's public acknowledgement of the error. However, the available reports do not establish that formal legal proceedings have already been initiated.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

The incident has prompted renewed discussion about accuracy and accountability in digital journalism, particularly in the publication of reports involving allegations that could affect an individual's reputation. The controversy also highlights the speed at which misleading or inaccurate material can circulate through social media platforms before corrections or clarifications reach the same audience.

Rathore's objections centred not only on the factual inaccuracy but also on the implications of associating her name with an alleged sex racket. She argued that the report had subjected her to public humiliation and questioned whether a subsequent apology could adequately address the consequences of the original publication.

The singer has frequently attracted attention for her politically themed folk songs, which address governance, unemployment and other public issues. In her response to the disputed coverage, she alleged that her criticism of the government had made her a target. That allegation remains her stated position, and no evidence establishing a political motive behind the erroneous report has emerged from the network's clarification.

The episode has also drawn reactions from journalists and public figures who questioned the handling of the report. The central concern raised by critics is whether adequate verification was undertaken before the singer's identity was associated with a serious allegation.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲

While ABP News has acknowledged the error and apologised publicly, Rathore's refusal to accept the clarification leaves the controversy unresolved. Her stated intention to seek legal remedies could bring further scrutiny to the circumstances surrounding the publication, although any such proceedings would depend on the action she ultimately takes.

The network has not publicly detailed whether an internal inquiry has been initiated or whether additional editorial measures will follow the incident. Its apology, however, represents an explicit acknowledgement that the disputed report did not meet the required standard of factual accuracy.

The incident underscores the importance of verification in digital news reporting, where potentially damaging allegations can reach large audiences within minutes. It also raises the question of how news organisations should address reputational harm when inaccurate content has already been widely circulated.

For now, the network's admission of error and Rathore's demand for further accountability remain the principal developments in a controversy that has placed editorial responsibility and the consequences of misinformation under scrutiny.