In Aurangabad, cops tell scribes what to report

The incident, which has sent shock waves across the press fraternity has left many wondering about the intentions of the commissioner, considering the manner and venue at which he issued the threat.

Armed policeman were posted all around the conference room, while the commissioner continued his stern monologue on what reporters should and should not write.

This warning from the commissioner comes a month after the lathi charge on December 6 when the police beat up over 80 people at the police headquarters. Among those injured were 10 journalists.

On Monday, thecommissioner had invited editors of three newspapers for a chat’. What the unsuspecting journalists did not expect was the thorough lashing they got from Suradkar and that too in the presence of his juniors.

Vidyabhau Sadavarte, news-editor of the eveninger, Sanjvarta was one of those summoned. He said that the way Suradkar spoke was humiliating and accusing, as if he were addressing a hard core-terrorist.. At the press conference, when journalists insisted that Suradkar clarify whether he had threatened the editors, he refused to elaborate saying he had every right to behave in the manner he did. When the reporters persisted, Suradkar lost his temper and warned them against questioning him any further.

With Suradkar refusing to change his tone and attitude, reporters saw no point in continuing with the press conference and they staged a walk outIronically, the press conference was meant to give details of police achievements in the last one year, when the crime rate had declined considerably.