Aaj Tak Anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and Aroon Purie Booked for Hurting Valmiki Community Sentiments
Ludhiana Police file FIR against Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and India Today Group chairman Aroon Purie for allegedly insulting saint Valmiki, sparking outrage among the Valmiki community.
Ludhiana Police Register FIR Against Aaj Tak Anchor and Others
In a significant development, Ludhiana Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap, India Today Group chairman Aroon Purie, and the media conglomerate Living Media India Limited. The FIR alleges that Kashyap made derogatory remarks about the ancient saint Valmiki during a show aired on the channel’s official social media platforms, including Facebook.
Complaint by Bharatiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj
The complaint was filed by Chaudhary Yashpal, national coordinator of Bharatiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj (BHAVADHAS) and a resident of Mohalla Ghati Valmiki in Ludhiana. The organization described the remarks as “deeply insulting” and claimed that they hurt the sentiments of the entire Valmiki community across the country. They have demanded the immediate arrest of Kashyap and an apology for the alleged offense.
Legal Provisions Invoked
The FIR has been filed under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and Section 3(1)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Inspector Gaganpreet Singh, SHO of Division Number 4 Police Station, stated that the investigation will be overseen by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer, as per the provisions of the SC/ST Act. The case file has been forwarded to the Ludhiana Police Commissioner’s office for further action.
Community Reactions
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Dalit and Scheduled Caste communities. At least 13 organizations have expressed their concerns, leading to calls for stringent action against the accused. The police have assured that the matter is being taken seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.
