Government summons Netflix India head over 'IC 814' controversy
The Indian government has reportedly summoned the content head of Netflix India, Monika Shergill, over the controversy surrounding the web series IC 814 - The Kandahar Hijack. The show, which is based on the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight by Pakistan-based terror group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, has been accused of deliberately altering the names of the hijackers.
I&B Ministry summons Netflix India's content head
According to sources cited by NDTV, the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has sent the summons. This development comes after widespread allegations against the Anubhav Sinha web series for intentionally using Hindu names for some of the hijackers. The show is based on the book Flight Into Fear: The Captain's Story by Devi Sharan, who was the flight's captain, and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury.
'IC 814' web series: A recap of the controversy
The web series IC 814 - The Kandahar Hijack has been embroiled in controversy for allegedly changing the names of the hijackers to "Bhola" and "Shankar." However, a Union Home Ministry statement from January 6, 2000, states that these were the names used by the hijackers to address each other. Several journalists who reported on the hijacking in 1999 have also confirmed this information on social media.
BJP leader criticized web series for 'whitewashing' crimes
BJP leader Amit Malviya is among those who have criticized the web series for its portrayal of the hijackers. He accused filmmaker Sinha of "legitimizing their criminal intent" by using non-Muslim names, suggesting that this would lead people to believe that Hindus were responsible for the hijacking. Malviya also claimed that this was part of a broader agenda to "whitewash the crimes of Pakistani terrorists."
Omar Abdullah, Mukesh Chhabra responded to 'IC 814' controversy
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to social media to express his amusement at the controversy. He pointed out the irony of those who accepted movies like The Kashmir Files as absolute truth now demanding accuracy and nuance in the Netflix show. Meanwhile, prominent casting director Mukesh Chhabra defended the series, stating that they had conducted proper research and that the hijackers used "nicknames or fake names" to address each other.
