Pune, September 8: After journalists reported harassment during the coverage of recent Ganeshotsav immersion procession, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has assured that necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety and unhindered reporting rights of media personnel in future events.
Despite police issuing special passes to journalists to facilitate safe coverage of the immersion processions, several reporters and photographers reportedly faced obstruction from Dhol-Tasha troupes. In one incident, one female journalist was allegedly molested, while photographers were pushed and manhandled during the coverage.
The Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh, representing the aggrieved journalists, met with Commissioner Kumar to voice their concerns and demand swift action against those responsible today.
Commissioner Kumar confirmed that a case has been registered in connection with the molestation of the female journalist, and a dedicated team has been tasked with locating and apprehending the accused. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding journalists' rights and emphasized that any interference with their reporting duties is unacceptable.
“We issue passes specifically to ensure that journalists can carry out their work without obstruction. If such incidents still occur, it is a matter of serious concern,” he stated. The Commissioner also acknowledged the need to regulate Dho-Tasha troupes participating in processions, and announced that guidelines will soon be drafted to ensure their orderly conduct. These guidelines will be mandatory for both performance groups and Ganesh mandals.
In addition to the meeting with police authorities, the Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh has submitted a formal complaint to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking justice in the case of molestation and physical assault on journalists.
Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Dr. Neelam Gorhe, has also taken cognizance of the incident and directed police to carry out a thorough investigation.
The incident has drawn condemnation from several political parties, who have expressed solidarity with the journalistic community and called for prompt action against those involved.
During the meeting, which was attended by a significant number of journalists including association President Brijmohan Patil, Secretaries Mangesh Palle, Dilip Tayde, and Vice President Sagar Avhad, the delegation detailed the challenges faced during the event.