The Ludhiana Police have booked Hindi news channel Aaj Tak’s anchor, journalist-cum-managing editor Anjana Om Kashyap, India Today Group chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie and the media conglomerate company Living Media India Limited (also known as the India Today Group) for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Valmiki community. The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered on the complaint of Chaudhary Yashpal, national coordinator, Bharatiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj (BHAVADHAS), a Dalit welfare organisation. “We demand immediate arrest of Kashyap, and she also must apologize for her words uttered against saint Valmiki on a national channel,” said Chaudhary Yashpal, the BHAVADHAS national coordinator and resident of Mohalla Ghati Valmiki of Ludhiana. BHAVADHAS chief coordinator Vijay Daanav, also an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and chairman of Punjab Government’s Dalit Vikas Board, said, “We want immediate arrest of Kashyap for insulting Valmiki ji and hurting our sentiments.” The FIR has been registered under sections 299 for deliberate and malicious act to outrage religious feelings and 3(1)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act). Inspector Gaganpreet Singh, SHO division number 4 police station, said: “The probe in the case will be marked to a DSP-rank officer as per the provisions of the SC/ST Act and the file has been sent to Ludhiana Police Commissioner’s office as per procedure.” Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma said: "The case has been registered after taking legal opinion. At least 13 Dalit/SC organisations had complained that the tone and words used in the show by the anchor were derogatory and inappropriate. The probe is still ongoing." Responding to the development, Kashyap in a statement said: “TV Today Network Limited strongly denies the allegations contained in the FIR registered in Ludhiana regarding purported derogatory remarks about Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Ji. The program in question was respectful and balanced, conducted in full adherence to journalistic ethics and with complete regard for all faiths and communities. We fail to understand how any part of the broadcast could have caused hurt or offence, as the full footage clearly shows that no derogatory reference was ever made. "Certain selectively edited and misleading clips may have unfortunately been circulated online, misrepresenting the content and intent of the program. These misrepresentations must be withdrawn immediately, as they distort the truth and malign responsible journalism. TV Today Network has always upheld the highest standards of editorial integrity and respect for all religions, and will be moving the Hon’ble Court to seek appropriate legal protection and redress against the false and misconceived allegations.”
