Former RAW Chief A.S. Dulat loses cool during interview, abuses journalist on camera

Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief A.S. Dulat has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time for allegedly abusing and nearly getting physical with a journalist during a televised interview. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from media professionals and the public alike.

According to journalist Jitesh Jethanandani, the confrontation occurred during an interview for Bharat Raftaar TV. Speaking to e4m, Jethanandani claimed that Dulat lost his temper when asked about sensitive issues such as his recent visit to Pakistan and matters related to Kashmir. “The moment I asked about his trip to Pakistan, he started hurling abuses in front of the camera and even attempted to get physically aggressive,” Jethanandani recounted.

The interview took place recently at a hotel near the Pink City Press Club in Jaipur. Jethanandani stated that during the conversation, Dulat admitted to having contacts in Pakistan. However, when questioned further about the visit, particularly in the context of his co-authored book The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace, which he wrote alongside former ISI chief Asad Durrani, Dulat became visibly agitated.

This isn’t the first time Dulat has courted controversy. In the past, he has drawn criticism for his remarks on the Pulwama terror attack, which he controversially described in an interview as having “proven to be a gift for the BJP.” He also labelled the 2019 film The Kashmir Files as "propaganda" and “one-sided,” which further stoked backlash.

The video showing Dulat’s outburst during the Bharat Raftaar interview has triggered widespread social media attention. Several senior journalists and editors have shared their reactions online. ANI Editor Smita Prakash tweeted from her X (formerly Twitter) handle: “OMG! Mr. Dulat is really upset with the line of questioning (wear headphones and listen). For those unaware, he is a celebrated author, former RAW chief, and served as an advisor on Jammu & Kashmir during PM Vajpayee’s tenure.”

TV9 Network’s Executive Editor Aditya Raj Kaul also commented, writing, “A.S. Dulat shows his true colours in this interview. I’ve always maintained that the Indian government must investigate how funds were utilised during his tenure in top national security agencies like IB and RAW. There’s still a lot to be said about him.”

Jitesh Jethanandani, the journalist at the centre of this storm, has over 13 years of experience working with both regional and national news outlets. He has served as Rajasthan Bureau Chief at TV9 Bharatvarsh and held editorial roles at IANS, India News, First India News, and JAN TV. He currently serves as Director at Bharat Raftaar TV.

As the video continues to make rounds on social platforms, the incident raises serious concerns about the conduct expected from public figures, especially those who have held high office in national intelligence and security agencies.

Good Lord! Mr Dulat really got riled up with the line of questioning (use headphones).
For those who do not know, he is a famous author, former Chief of RAW, former advisor on JK to PM Vajpayee pic.twitter.com/8Ai6uatpVs

— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) May 21, 2025

AS Dulat showing his true colours in this interview. I’ve always said Government of India should hold an audit of where funds allocated to IB/R&AW went during his tenure in these top National Security organisations. Lots left to be said about him. pic.twitter.com/WBgtkKD1fF

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 21, 2025