Recently, Congress spokesperson Dr. Ragini Nayak accused senior India TV journalist Rajat Sharma of using abusive language. The incident happened when she appeared on the channel as a panelist on June 4th to discuss Lok Sabha elections.
She shared a video evidence of the raw footage on X, appealing for a response from Rajat Sharma, stating “What could be a lower level of Journalism than this?”
पहला वीडियो ‘X’ पर मेरे संज्ञान में लाया गया !
इसमें @RajatSharmaLive On Air मुझे एक भद्दी गाली देते हुए दिख रहे हैं !
मैंने Factcheck किया !
चैनल से इसी वीडियो का Raw Footage निकाला (दूसरा वीडियो)पत्रकारिता का इससे गिरा हुआ स्तर क्या होगा ?
कोई जवाब है आपके पास रजत शर्मा ? pic.twitter.com/0GrQgYIPrl
— Dr. Ragini Nayak (@NayakRagini) June 10, 2024
Response from India TV, Warns Dr. Ragini Nayak
India TV’s, Legal Head, Ritika Talwar, responded to Dr. Nayak’s allegations to be ‘absolutely false and lack any basis and foundation whatsoever,’
“The allegations are malicious and defamatory and clearly constitute fake news.” she said in a warning statement by India TV against Dr. Nayak.
Warning to @NayakRagini @Pawankhera @Jairam_Ramesh
I am writing to you on behalf of India’s most respected journalist and television presenter Mr. Rajat Sharma, who has been in this profession for more than four decades and has a very high degree of credibility and reputation.…
— India TV (@indiatvnews) June 11, 2024
It also stated “Mr. Sharma is known for his cultured and civilised behaviour both on and off air. Television viewers world over appreciate his polite and gentle style of anchoring.”
“We warn you that you should desist from this. We reiterate that Mr. Sharma has never used abusive language in private or public life. Inference drawn by you from the non-existent and imaginary are per se defamatory. We reserve the right to take further legal action, India TV further added in the statement”.
Police complaint filed against India TV senior journalist Rajat Sharma
In a complaint filed by Dr. Nayak at Tughtak Road Police Station under IPC sections 295 and 509, she alleges, “Upon hearing my comments, Mr. Rajat Sharma got defensive, and was visibly annoyed at my comments, resorting to using abusive language against me.”
The live debate clip went viral and received mixed reactions from the netizens, some slammed Rajat Sharma.
Arfa Khanum, senior editor of ‘The Wire’ posted a tweet on X saying “Unbelievable, Condemnable.”
While some defended Rajat Sharma, and criticized Congress party for spreading misinformation.
INC demands apology against Rajat Sharma’s behaviour
In a press conference, the Congress spokesperson said, “You should have clarified what you said if you did not use abusive language, but you did not do that. This not only removes your mask but also shows how much filth and poison are in your mind. We have filed a criminal complaint in this matter, but the question also remains for the NCW as to when they will learn to take suo motu cognizance.” she added.
रजत शर्मा जी.. सबसे पहले महात्मा गांधी ने देश को अभय का पाठ पठाया था, इसलिए हम आपकी गीदड़ भभकी से डरे नहीं।
आपको बताना चाहिए था कि अगर आपने गाली नहीं दी तो आपने क्या कहा था, लेकिन आपने ऐसा नहीं किया।
इससे ना सिर्फ आपका मुखौटा हटा है, बल्कि यह दिखाता है कि आपके मन में कितना मैल… pic.twitter.com/AxKZ3NgxsD
— Congress (@INCIndia) June 11, 2024
Read more: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Calls for Restraint in Manipur, Disapproves Divisive Actions
