India Today group stands by its report on Khurshid

The India Today group, which is under attack from Law Minister Salman Khurshid, on Thursday said it stands by the veracity of the report carried by its TV network -- alleging financial irregularities in a trust run by the Khurshid couple -- and will defend itself.

"TVTN (TV Today Network) stands by the veracity of the broadcast of news pertaining to a sting carried by the channel exposing the swindling of funds by Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust," said a statement from the group

It said, "We shall defend ourselves against each and every allegation levied upon it and we will provide all the documents if required in the judicial process."

TV Today claimed it telecast the said news "only after proper verification of the relevant facts, documents, records and reliable sources, which TVTN believes and/or has reasons to believe to be true and correct to the best of their knowledge, faith and belief."

"TV Today clarifies that the sting operation was aired after adhering to sound journalistic practices of conducting thorough research and ensuring that the Trust was given adequate opportunity of presenting its version of events. TVTN is in possession of all the relevant documentary evidence in support of the sting and the same shall be used as and when found to be necessary," the statement said.

It further said that it has not passed any judgment of guilt or conviction and has merely "presented the truth" and left it to people to decide and judge.