 "Sudarshan TV's Suresh Chavhanke arrested for inciting communal hatred")
Sudarshan TV channel editor Suresh Chavhanke was arrested by Uttar Pradesh police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between religious groups. Chavhanke was arrested from Lucknow airport on Wednesday evening.
Chavhanke has been booked under Sections 153 A(1), 295A and 505(1)B of the Indian Penal Code and also under section 16 of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1955.
It was alleged that Sudarshan channel broadcast a programme in which Suresh Chavhanke had allegedly made several comments that could spoil communal harmony in Sambhal district. The FIR was registered by the SHO when the matter was raised during a meeting of the Peace Committee on April 9, in which citizens pointed out the programme telecast between April 6 to April 8 was enough to stimulate communal stiffness.
According to the citizens, the show ‘Bindaas Bol’, hosted by Chavhanke aired programmes that promoted communal bitterness, resentment between religious groups and could have neagtive impact on friendliness of people of Sambahl district.
On April 10, the police reviewed videos of the programme and concluded that in several of the clips, Chavhanke allegedly made statements spreading “Hindu-Muslim hostility”.
In November last year, a former female employee of the RSS leaning Sudarshan News Network had alleged that Chavhanke raped and molested her besides indulging in criminal intimidation.
According to a report of ‘The Hindu’, Chavhanke is well known for his vocal support to the Hindutva movement, who has often termed other media houses as "jehadi media". His cover picture on Twitter features him with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Chavhanke has been booked under Sections 153 A(1), 295A and 505(1)B of the Indian Penal Code and also under section 16 of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1955.
It was alleged that Sudarshan channel broadcast a programme in which Suresh Chavhanke had allegedly made several comments that could spoil communal harmony in Sambhal district. The FIR was registered by the SHO when the matter was raised during a meeting of the Peace Committee on April 9, in which citizens pointed out the programme telecast between April 6 to April 8 was enough to stimulate communal stiffness.
According to the citizens, the show ‘Bindaas Bol’, hosted by Chavhanke aired programmes that promoted communal bitterness, resentment between religious groups and could have neagtive impact on friendliness of people of Sambahl district.
On April 10, the police reviewed videos of the programme and concluded that in several of the clips, Chavhanke allegedly made statements spreading “Hindu-Muslim hostility”.
In November last year, a former female employee of the RSS leaning Sudarshan News Network had alleged that Chavhanke raped and molested her besides indulging in criminal intimidation.
According to a report of ‘The Hindu’, Chavhanke is well known for his vocal support to the Hindutva movement, who has often termed other media houses as "jehadi media". His cover picture on Twitter features him with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%