Operation Mahadev: A State-Sponsored Propaganda of Fabricated Plots and Manufactured Villains

India’s so-called counterterrorism narrative took a serious blow when veteran journalist Bharat Bhushan described Operation Mahadev as a “shaggy-dog story,” unmasking the hollow claims made by Indian authorities. This bold statement has sparked significant doubts about the operation, which now seems more like a carefully staged performance aimed at misleading the public and silencing critics. In a state where controlling the narrative is more important than national clarity, drama often replaces substance.

Dead Terrorists Tell No Tales: A Convenient Conclusion

As highlighted by Deccan Herald, “Dead men reveal nothing, now only the government’s story lives.” By eliminating suspects before any interrogation or trial, the Indian government ensures that no alternative narratives can emerge. Silenced forever, the truth dies with them. This chilling remark emphasizes how these killings close cases rather than open investigations. This method precludes judicial review, leaving no space for legal accountability.

Bharat Bhushan Questions the Script Behind the Drama

Bharat Bhushan raised deeply uncomfortable questions about India’s counterterrorism narrative, asking, “Post-attack killings or cover-ups?” His probing question reflects growing concerns that instead of ensuring justice, India’s agencies are eliminating suspects to avoid scrutiny. He further questioned, “Are Indians, Parliament expected to believe this shaggy-dog story?” The use of the phrase “shaggy-dog story” symbolizes a tale so convoluted and implausible that only those desperate to believe would accept it. Bhushan pressed on, urging readers to critically assess the credibility of claims made without independent verification. These are not just questions; they are alarms against blind faith in the official narrative.

Perfect Timing, But for Whom?

In an incident too calculated to be mere coincidence, the so-called mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack was killed on the very day when Indian Parliament was scheduled to debate Operation Sindoor. Bharat Bhushan raised the pertinent question, “Mastermind killed on the very day of much-awaited debate on Op. Sindoor: A coincidence?” His rhetorical question points to a state strategy that relies more on narrative control than accountability. The timing suggests a deliberate orchestration rather than a spontaneous breakthrough.

Fabricated Evidence or Flawed Logic?

Where is the independent forensic proof linking the guns to the Pahalgam attack? Bharat Bhushan questioned, exposing the lack of verifiable evidence. He pointed out the bizarre discovery of personal items allegedly carried by the suspect, asking, “Who carries weapons, candies, traceable items while evading a manhunt?” These oddities deepen the suspicion that facts were crafted to support a pre-determined conclusion. In this performance, logic is sacrificed at the altar of narrative.

Theatrical Policing or Counterterrorism?

In one of his most damning remarks, Bharat Bhushan compared the event to a scripted drama: “Wasn’t it like a TV serial scene wherein a police inspector enters someone’s house and orders his deputy, Havildar, Aslaha Baramad Karo?” This analogy underscores the theatrical nature of the operation, where reality is replaced with choreographed optics. What is staged as security often seems more suited for entertainment than real-life counterterrorism.

From Pulwama to Uri: The Same Pattern, The Same Silence

Despite incidents like Pulwama, Uri, and now Dachigam, no official has ever been held accountable for intelligence failures. Bharat Bhushan reminded his readers, “Pulwama to Uri, who has so far been punished for intelligence failures?” In India, state lapses are buried, not investigated. When accountability is abandoned, repetition of failures becomes inevitable.

Deccan Herald Dismantles the Government’s One-Sided Version

Deccan Herald sharply critiqued the Modi-led BJP government’s propaganda, highlighting a series of disturbing observations:

• Post-attack ‘encounters’ undermine the credibility of India’s counterterrorism narrative.
• Patterned encounters and polarized politics make facts hard to trust.
• Forensic and intelligence evidence will never be released.
• Killings prevent judicial scrutiny.
• The government shapes the story, not the truth.
• Killings shield those responsible for intelligence lapses.

These lines reflect a growing realization within India that truth is being sacrificed to serve state interests. They are not just critiques but warnings against the manipulation of public consciousness.

Media Muzzled, Parliament Paralyzed

In today’s India, even raising questions can lead to being labeled anti-national. Deccan Herald observed, “Opposition avoids questions to escape being labelled anti-national,” exposing how political fear has paralyzed democratic debate. The media, too, remains silent. Fear of losing access or advertising revenue keeps the press quiet, undermining its role as the fourth pillar of democracy. Rather than holding power to account, the media supports a shaky structure of half-truths, enforced by obedience rather than journalistic discretion.

Due Process Dismissed, Names Thrown to the Fire

Suspects are declared masterminds and trainers by the state without legal process, trials, or evidence. Deccan Herald noted, “Masterminds and trainers named without due process.” This public naming without legal backing only furthers the agenda of painting a picture rather than proving a case. The absence of trial means the absence of truth.

A Hollow Performance Disguising as Policy

While real issues of public safety, intelligence reform, and due process are ignored, India’s counterterrorism efforts have devolved into media spectacles. Deccan Herald wrote, “People remain uninformed on real threats and policies,” indicating that this fog of half-truths shields both incompetence and excesses. Opaque security goals prevent meaningful discussion about alternatives.

Conclusion: Facts Die Where Fear Rules

Operation Mahadev is not a story of a successful mission but of a failed system dressed up in the language of victory. The use of a “shaggy-dog story” to push a state narrative shows just how far India’s ruling elite is willing to go to hide its failures. From the critical questions raised by Bharat Bhushan to the hard-hitting observations of Deccan Herald, it is now clear that the real battle is not between the state and terrorism but between truth and official fabricated drama.