Sat Feb 15 20:25:43 UTC 2025: ## Vikatan Website Inaccessible After Controversial Modi Cartoon

**Chennai, February 16, 2025** – The website of the Vikatan Group, a prominent Tamil Nadu media outlet, is reportedly inaccessible to many users. This follows the publication of a cartoon in Vikatan magazine depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains. While the Vikatan Group has acknowledged widespread reports of website inaccessibility, there has been no official confirmation from the Indian government regarding a block.

The cartoon, published on February 10th, criticized the Prime Minister’s silence on the deportation of Indian citizens from the United States. Following criticism from BJP supporters, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai filed complaints with both the Press Council of India and the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, demanding action against Vikatan.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Vikatan asserted its commitment to freedom of expression, highlighting its nearly century-long history of upholding free speech. The group stated it is investigating the reasons behind the website’s inaccessibility and is engaging with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The incident has raised concerns about press freedom in India.

Read More