‘Arrest Anjana Om Kashyap’: FIR against Aaj Tak anchor, India Today Group chairman Aroon Purie; what is the case?

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in Ludhiana against Hindi news channel Aaj Tak’s anchor, Managing editor Anjana Om Kashyap, India Today Group chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie and the media conglomerate company Living Media India Limited (the India Today Group) for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Valmiki community, reported Indian Express. The FIR has been lodged on the complaint filed by Bharatiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj (BHAVADHAS). 

The complainant has alleged that Anjana Om Kashyap made derogatory remarks against the saint Valmiki in her show, which was aired on the Aaj Tak’s official social media pages also. The BHAVADHAS said the remarks are “deeply insulting”, and that they hurt the “sentiments of the entire country’s Valmiki community”. 

They said a FIR should be registered at the earliest before the issue snowballs into a national-level protest. They have also called for the arrest of the famous journalist. The complaint was filed by Chaudhary Yashpal, national coordinator BHAVADHAS and resident of Mohalla Ghati Valmiki of Ludhiana.

The Ludhiana police has registered the FIR under sections 299 for deliberate and malicious act to outrage religious feelings and 3(1)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act), Indian Express added in its report. 

‘Arrest Anjana Kashyap’

The ogranisation, in its complaint, said, “We demand immediate arrest of Kashyap, and she also must apologize for her words uttered against saint Valmiki on a national channel.” 

Vijay Daanav, BHAVADHAS chief coordinator and an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader as well as the chairman of Punjab Government’s Dalit Vikas Board, said, “We want immediate arrest of Kashyap for insulting Valmiki ji and hurting our sentiments,” the IE report added. 

Speaking on the complaint, inspector Gaganpreet Singh, SHO division number 4 police station, said: “The probe in the case will be marked to a DSP-rank officer as per the provisions of the SC/ST Act and the file has been sent to Ludhiana Police Commissioner’s office as per procedure.”

“The case has been registered after taking legal opinion. At least 13 Dalit/SC organisations had complained that the tone and words used in the show by the anchor were derogatory and inappropriate. The probe is still ongoing,” the Indian Express report quoted Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma  as saying. 

Anjana Om Kashyap responds

Following the complaint, Anjana Om Kashyap denied the allegations mentioned in the FIR. She said the programme was balanced and was executed in “full adherence to journalistic ethics”

“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,” she said in the statement, the report mentioned. 

“Certain selectively edited and misleading clips may have unfortunately been circulated online, misrepresenting the content and intent of the program. These misrepresentations must be withdrawn immediately, as they distort the truth and malign responsible journalism. TV Today Network has always upheld the highest standards of editorial integrity and respect for all religions, and will be moving the Hon’ble Court to seek appropriate legal protection and redress against the false and misconceived allegations,” she added.