The Press Club of India issued a strong condemnation on Sunday regarding the assault on a journalist covering Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli.
The journalist, Raghav Trivedi from news portal Molitics, reported being attacked by workers of the BJP during Shah’s rally. Trivedi stated that he had interviewed women at the event who claimed they were promised money to attend.
“I came from Delhi to cover ground reports in Rae Bareli and Amethi,” Trivedi explained. “During Shah’s rally, I interviewed women and many of them said they were brought to the event by their village pradhan with the promise they would be paid Rs 100.”
After questioning local BJP leaders about the claims, Trivedi said, “Initially, they denied any wrongdoing but when I informed them I had recorded statements of women, a group forcibly took me to a secluded place and demanded I delete the recording. When I refused, they began to assault me…I pleaded with police and bystanders for help, but no one intervened.”
Trivedi also mentioned that despite approximately 40 police personnel being present, none came to his aid.
In response to the incident, the Press Club of India urged the Election Commission and the local administration to ensure strict action against the attackers.
“Journalists in their day-to-day reportage have been subjected to regular physical intimidation, harassment and attack,” the press body stated.
An FIR was filed based on a complaint by Sanjeet Sahni, a cameraman accompanying Trivedi. The case was filed against unidentified persons under Sections 147, 323, and 504 of the Indian Penal Code.