Prayagraj: A video has been circulating on social media showing a police officer mistreating and pushing a journalist while he was reporting on a byte from an Akhada at the Maha Kumbh event.
IANS, a news agency, shared a post on their official X page (previously Twitter) regarding the incident in which their journalist, Gaurav Pandey, faced harassment from the Maha Police. The caption for the post states: “A police officer at MahaKumbh misbehaved with IANS journalist Gaurav Pandey while he was trying to take a byte from an Akhada”
Prayagraj, UP: A police officer at MahaKumbh misbehaved with IANS journalist Gaurav Pandey while he was trying to take a byte from an Akhada pic.twitter.com/EoNzGKpZNL
— IANS (@ians_india) January 29, 2025
In the video, it is seen that the journalist had extended his mic towards the police when the police inspector tries to snatch the mic and camera from him, strangle his hand and forcefully tries to push him before walking out. The journalist is then seen chasing the police inspector calling him out on his behaviour and saying, “aaja bhai… Tum maarlo aao, tum maar rahe ho na” and the video is abruptly cut.
Netizens React
The video has been gaining traction on social media largely where netizens are seen supporting the journalist stating that “this is unacceptable” while some said that the journalist should not intervene and follow protocols whereas some said the times are crucial, referring to the stampede that took place at the wee hours of the day during the Amrit Snan ‘Holy Bath’ and everyone should take it calmly.
It’s wrong but IANS team has to understand it’s very crucial time for everyone so cooperate with them
— Voice of Hindus (@Warlock_Shubh) January 29, 2025
अभी सबको शांति बनाए रखना चाहिए
— Being Political (@BeingPolitical1) January 29, 2025
This is unacceptable.
— Mona Shandilya (@RoseTint4) January 29, 2025
क्या यही रामराज है
— YogeshMeena (@Yogeshkherli) January 29, 2025
There could have baen another way to deal with the situation.
— Alka Singh (@_singhalka) January 29, 2025
Media should understand the police situation also..
— Shilpa (@shilpa_cn) January 29, 2025
Reporters too need to understand the situation.. Though I don’t accept such behavior too..
— Indrani (@Anti_Congressi) January 29, 2025
