Attack on journalist: Press Council of India takes suo moto cognizance

Screengrab from the viral video

The Press Council of India (PCI) has taken a suo moto cognizance in connection with the attack on Sandeep Mahajan, a freelance journalist at Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

In an official statement issued by the PCI, The Press Council of India has expressed concern over the attack on Sandeep Mahajan, Freelance Journalist at Jalgaon, Maharashtra on August 10, 2023. Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Hon'ble Chairperson, Press Council of India has called for a report, based on facts in the matter at the earliest from the Government of Maharashtra. Chairperson has also constituted a Fact Finding Committee in this regard.

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Sandeep Mahajan had reported about a case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Pachora area.

An audio clip recently went viral on social media wherein a Pachora legislator was purportedly heard abusing the journalist.

A video of the incident had gone viral on social media platforms in which journalist Sandeep Mahajan was seen being pulled down from his two-wheeler and kicked and punched by some persons.

Based on a complaint filed by the journalist, the Pachora police have registered a non-cognisable offence against three-four persons under Indian Penal Code Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 506 criminal intimidation, an official told earlier told the PTI.

The police had issued notices to the accused persons in the matter.