Ashok Jain (1934 – 4 February 1999) was the Chairman of Bennett, Coleman & Co., the parent company of The Times of India and other large newspapers.
[1] Ashok Jain was indicted and arrested in 1998, a year before his death, in connection with an alleged violation of the FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act).
Again, the Times was accused of distorting facts pertaining to the case, even giving Ashok's indictment by the Enforcement Directorate the tint of a larger conspiracy against the Jain community in general.
Dua's claims that his dismissal was retaliation for his refusal to comply with Ashok Jain's request to help him out by using his editorial position to build up public support besides lobbying with politicians.
Even after his death, his contribution to the society was noted as the managing trustee of the Bharatiya Jnanpith, which is a leading organisation devoted to the promotion and recognition of the best creative writing in Indian languages.