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POCSO case against 2 Malayalam TV journalists for remarks on youth festival contestant

The Thiruvananthapuram city police registered the case against Report TV consulting editor Arun Kumar and reporter Shahabas under sections 11 and 12 (sexual harassment) of POCSO Act.

A case under sections of unnatural sex, criminal intimidation, and the POCSO Act was registered.

Two journalists of a Malayalam news channel were on Thursday booked under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly making sexist remarks and comments with “double meaning” about a girl who had taken part in a youth festival.

The Thiruvananthapuram city police registered the case against Report TV consulting editor Arun Kumar and reporter Shahabas under sections 11 and 12 (sexual harassment) of POCSO Act.

The case was registered following a complaint from the state children’s welfare committee. Earlier, the Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights had suo motu registered a case against the channel and its journalists.

The incident took place during a youth festival held in Thiruvananthapuram, during which Reporter TV had telecast an event in which the journalist, Shahabas, was allegedly seen making sexist gestures towards a schoolgirl who took part in the contest. Later, in a related show, Arun Kumar also allegedly made comments with “double meaning” with regard to the same girl.

Clips of both instances have gone viral on social media.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

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