Pune Journalists Union Asks CM Fadnavis To Drop ABP Majha Reporters From FIR

The Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to direct the police to remove the names of ABP Majha reporters from a case registered in connection with an incident at COEP Technological University and hostel premises in Shivajinagar.

The incident occurred on August 21, and a complaint was lodged by COEP Technological University's Chief Administrative Officer Raju Pachkor with the Shivajinagar Police Station. Based on the complaint, police registered a case on August 23, in which representatives of ABP Majha were also named.

The journalists' union has strongly condemned the inclusion of the reporters in the case, alleging that the action amounts to an attack on press freedom and freedom of journalism. According to the representation submitted to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the ABP Majha reporters had earlier interacted with several female students at the university and reported their responses as part of a news story.

However, the union claimed that the reporters were not present at the university when the incident occurred on August 21. Despite this, their names were included in the FIR based on the complaint submitted by the university administration, the union alleged.

The Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh termed the action an attack on media freedom, which it said is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. It also pointed out that freedom of speech and expression, including press freedom, is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.

The union has therefore requested Chief Minister Fadnavis to issue directions to the police to remove the names of the ABP Majha representatives from the case. The FIR was among three cases registered at the Shivajinagar Police Station following a confrontation between ABVP and NSUI/Congress workers on the COEP campus on the night of August 21.

The dispute reportedly followed the circulation of a video featuring a female COEP student. In her first video, posted on August 21, the student claimed that she had told ABP Majha that she had been threatened by some people.

The incident has sparked a debate about press freedom and the role of journalists in reporting on sensitive issues. The union's request to the Chief Minister highlights the need to protect journalists from harassment and intimidation while performing their duties.

The case has also raised questions about the relationship between the media and the authorities, and the need for a free and independent press to hold those in power accountable.

In conclusion, the Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh's request to Chief Minister Fadnavis to remove the names of ABP Majha reporters from the FIR is a significant development in the ongoing debate about press freedom in India. The outcome of this case will have important implications for the media and the public's right to know.