Aaj Tak Anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and India Today Chairman Aroon Purie Booked for Allegedly Hurting Valmiki Community Sentiments
Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap and India Today Group chairman Aroon Purie have been booked by Ludhiana Police for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the Valmiki community. The case also names Living Media India Limited, the parent company of the India Today Group, which owns the Aaj Tak news channel.
According to police sources, the First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on a complaint submitted by the Bharatiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj (BHAVADHAS). The organization alleged that Kashyap made derogatory remarks about the revered saint Maharishi Valmiki during one of her televised debates, which was also shared across Aaj Tak’s official social media platforms, including Facebook.
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Complaint Details and Community Reaction
In the formal complaint, BHAVADHAS described the remarks as “deeply insulting and offensive”, claiming they caused emotional distress among members of the Valmiki community across India. The organization urged law enforcement to take swift action, warning that public outrage could escalate if the issue wasn’t addressed promptly.
“We demand the immediate arrest of Anjana Om Kashyap, and she must issue a public apology for her words against Saint Valmiki, spoken on a national channel,” said Chaudhary Yashpal, National Coordinator of BHAVADHAS and a resident of Mohalla Ghati Valmiki in Ludhiana.
Echoing similar sentiments, Vijay Daanav, BHAVADHAS Chief Coordinator and also the Chairman of Punjab Government’s Dalit Vikas Board, stated that Kashyap’s comments were an insult to the community’s faith and heritage. “We want her immediate arrest for insulting Valmiki Ji and hurting our sentiments,” Daanav added.
FIR and Police Action
Following the complaint, Ludhiana Police registered an FIR under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code for “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings”, and under Section 3(1)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Inspector Gaganpreet Singh, Station House Officer of Division No. 4 Police Station in Ludhiana, confirmed the registration of the case. “The investigation will be conducted by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer as required under the SC/ST Act. The case file has already been forwarded to the office of the Ludhiana Police Commissioner,” he told Bharat Details.
Context and Broader Implications
The incident has reignited debates around media responsibility and freedom of speech, particularly when discussing figures of religious significance. Legal experts note that while journalists are protected under free expression, any content that can be interpreted as disrespecting religious icons often triggers strong public reactions and legal scrutiny.
The India Today Group or Anjana Om Kashyap have not yet issued an official statement on the FIR as of this report’s publication.
Authorities in Ludhiana are currently reviewing the evidence, including the video recording of the program in question. Depending on the findings, further legal action may follow. Meanwhile, community leaders have called for restraint and peaceful resolution as the investigation proceeds.
As the case develops, Bharat Details will continue to provide verified updates on the investigation and official responses from all involved parties.
