Purported video on Kirit Somaiya: News channel editor summoned, statement of YouTuber recorded

The police had also issued summons to Kamlesh Sutar, editor-in-chief of the Lokshahi news channel which aired the story on the purported explicit video of Somaiya, to appear on October 16 but postponed it after he expressed his inability to come on that date.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya

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The Mumbai police, probing the FIR registered by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya in connection with a purported video of him broadcast by a news channel and a YouTube channel, recorded the statement of the YouTube channel owner earlier this month.

The police had also issued summons to Kamlesh Sutar, editor-in-chief of the Lokshahi news channel which aired the story on the purported explicit video of Somaiya, to appear on October 16 but postponed it after he expressed his inability to come on that date.

“The YouTuber Anil Thatte said the allegations made against him are exaggerated and denied his role. We had summoned Sutar as well. However, as he was busy on October 16, we have asked him to appear after Navratri when his statement will be recorded,” a police officer said.

Last month, Mumbai police had registered an FIR against Sutar and the YouTuber for allegedly airing the video. The channel had also received a notice from the Information & Broadcasting Ministry that it would be taken off air for 72 hours. However, the channel was back on air after it challenged the notice in the Delhi High Court.

During the recently concluded Monsoon Session of the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had ordered an inquiry into the matter after the issue was raised by Opposition leaders. The Crime Branch was asked to conduct the probe, which is still underway.

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