Ludhiana, Oct 12: The Division Number 4 police station in Ludhiana has registered an FIR against Aaj Tak journalist Anjana Om Kashyap for allegedly making disrespectful remarks about Maharishi Valmiki during a televised debate. The case also names India Today Group chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie and Living Media India Ltd as co-accused.
The FIR follows a complaint by Chaudhary Yashpal, national coordinator of the Bhartiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj Bhavadas. According to the complaint, Kashyap used “inappropriate language” while speaking about Maharishi Valmiki during a debate aired on the channel’s social media platforms, which reportedly hurt the sentiments of the Valmiki community.
“The statements deeply hurt the religious feelings of the entire Valmiki community. To prevent the situation from turning into a law and order problem, we request that an FIR be registered,” Yashpal said in the complaint.
Police have lodged the FIR under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to deliberate acts intended to insult the religion or religious beliefs of a community, and Section 3(1)(V) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The latter deals with words, whether written, spoken, or otherwise expressed, that show disrespect toward any late person held in high esteem by members of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
Officials said the investigation is underway and further action will be determined based on the findings.
