A thread on the tipping point for me as a journalist, after having written for @timesofindia for 30 years in Bihar @chatukhor @SankarshanT @tabish_khair @manishndtv @maryashakil @AnuragC1106 @OnReality_Check @gettleman

The story that Gaya’s Laungi Manjhi built a canal by himself over 30 years was first (mis)reported by ANI on 12/9 and quickly picked up national media as it went viral. My preliminary investigation cast doubts on the veracity of it.

Land records going as far back as 1914 indicate that there was already a canal. I spoke to several local officials. They said that they’d never heard of this canal being built by an individual in their decades-long careers in the district.

TOI Patna Bureau Chief wanted me to ‘report’ on it. I told him that I had to investigate. See the land record. Corroborate the story with locals. Get technical input from engineers on feasibility. Vet the timeline.

The Bureau Chief wanted the story quick. I told him if we have to a story today, it must go with the caveat of unanswered questions.

He said: “We need a story, an essay on self-proclaimed reputation and pre-conceived notion”

Next exchange

Me: “I would be presenting facts as they are. I am sure the editor too would be interested in facts and not a carbon copy of the agency release.”

Bureau Chief: “We are not here to debate on individual opinions. We follow instructions and keep the system running.”

I filed a story entitled “Man claims to have single-handedly worked for 30 yrs to dig a 3 km long canal, three ex babus say they never heard of it.” This story was killed and fake news titled “Gaya man dug a canal for 20 yrs to bring water” was published on September 16.

Laungi doesn’t need to build a canal to be celebrated, their everyday struggles make mahadalits heroes in my eyes.

This truly shows herd syndrome of Bihar media. No questions asked, no holds barred coverage of fake claim of Laungi Manjhi. Length of canal varies between 700 metres to 4 kms from various sources.