Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and India Today group chairman Aroon Purie
Ludhiana: In an alleged incident involving derogatory remarks against Valimiki Maharshi, Ludhiana Police had booked Hindi news channel Aaj Tak’s anchor, journalist-cum-managing editor Anjana Om Kashyap and India Today Group chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie for hurting the religious sentiment of the Valmiki community. However, anchor Anjana Kashyap denied the allegations that led to the case against her and her channel. She alleged misrepresentation through circulating selectively edited and misleading clips of their programme online and added that the company is going to move legally, The Indian Express reported.
According to the complaint, Aaj Tak aired a programme anchored by Anjana where the alleged derogatory remarks happened. The complaint was registered by Chaudhary Yashpal, national coordinator, Bharatiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj (BHAVADHAS), a Dalit welfare organisation.
Yashpal said that they wanted an immediate arrest of Anjana and that she must apologise for the words she uttered against Saint Valmiki.
The FIR registered is under sections 299 for deliberate and malicious act to outrage religious feelings and 3(1)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act). According to Ludhiana Police, the case will be probed by a DSP-rank officer as per the provisions of the SC/ST Act. At least 13 Dalit/SC organisations had complained that the tone and words used in the show by the anchor were derogatory and inappropriate, they said.
However, responding to the case, Anjana Kashyap said in a statement, “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,” TIE quoted.
Her statement said that there are selectively edited and misleading clips of their programme circulating online, which are a misrepresentation and should be withdrawn immediately. She added that TV Today Network will move the court on this.