Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police have again resorted to curtailing the freedom of press in the state. Three media persons in Thiruvananthapuram have been served notices and asked to appear at the police station. Their attempt to prevent anti-government news from reaching the public has led to widespread criticism.
The Museum Police registered a case under IPC 143, 147, 332, 353, 149, 447, 120 B and sent notice to Janam TV reporter, Reshmi Karthika, cameraman, Nithin Raj and also photographer of Janmabhumi , Anil Gopi ordering them to appear for questioning. They were served notice after reporting the Mahila Morcha protest march to the DGP’s official residence. The media persons have been charged for trespassing into the official residence of the DGP, when in fact they were covering the protest march taken out by Mahila Morcha activists.
In the notice, the police have ordered the media persons to appear before the investigating officer on Friday at 11 am for questioning.
(Janmabhoomi photographer Anil Gopi)
Earlier a journalist with 24 News, Vinitha VG, was charged with 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC for covering the news of KSU activists’ protest against the Chief Minister during the Nava Kerala Sadas.
Chief Minsiter’s Nava Kerala Sadas, came under severe criticism from all quarters for its extravaganza and its lack of purpose. The CM, together with all his Cabinet Ministers, traveled the length of Kerala on a luxury bus, in a mass outreach program. However, the Nava Kerala Sadas not only did not fair according to their expectations, it also gathered widespread criticism and protests. It also led to a failure in the law and order situation in the state.
The video shows police removing Mahila Morcha activists who held a protest march to DGP’s official residence. Janam TV reporter and cameraman were issued notice after they covered this news.
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