Shimla journalist stopped during coverage of Haryana MLAs, police orders probe
Shimla, March 16,
The Shimla Police have ordered a departmental enquiry against a police personnel after a journalist was allegedly stopped from performing his professional duty on a public road near a five-star hotel at Chharabra on Sunday, where a convoy of 31 Congress MLAs from Haryana had arrived.
The action comes after a video of the incident surfaced on social media, triggering concern within the media fraternity and drawing wider public attention. The episode was earlier been reported, highlighting how a journalist was prevented from recording a piece-to-camera on the roadside while covering the movement of the MLAs.
Superintendent of Police Shimla, Gaurav Singh, confirmed on Monday that a departmental enquiry for disciplinary action has been initiated against the police personnel concerned.
According to the SP, the video circulating online appears to show a television journalist being stopped while recording on a public road, with attempts allegedly made to prevent him from continuing the recording.
Calling the incident “unfortunate”, the SP expressed regret and assured that appropriate action would follow after the enquiry is completed.
“Shimla Police takes this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to working with media colleagues with stronger cooperation,” Singh said in an official statement.
He added that the police department recognizes the important role played by the media in informing the public and strengthening transparency in society.
The SP further stated that the department respects the freedom of the press and acknowledged that responsible journalism plays a vital role in maintaining public awareness and trust. At the same time, he emphasised that both police personnel and members of the media must work with mutual respect, patience and professionalism while performing their duties.
“Let us work together in the larger interest of public service, law and order and responsible dissemination of information,” he added.
Earlier, a delegation of journalists had also raised the issue with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, seeking clarity and assurance regarding the freedom of media professionals to carry out their duties during official movements and political visits in the state. The Chief Minister had assured the delegation that journalists would be able to perform their professional responsibilities without unnecessary obstruction and that the government remains committed to upholding the principles of press freedom.
Also read:Himachal journalist pushed by Police during coverage of Haryana Congress MLAs near Wildflower Hall
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Working Journalists Forum also condemned the incident, expressing concern over a journalist being obstructed while carrying out professional work in a public place.
Forum member M. L. Verma said that preventing journalists from reporting on an open road during the movement of elected representatives raises serious questions regarding press freedom.
He urged the authorities to ensure that journalists are allowed to perform their professional responsibilities without obstruction, noting that the media plays a crucial role in informing the public in a democratic society.
The incident occurred when a group of 31 Congress MLAs from Haryana, who had been staying at a resort near Kufri ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha election process, were leaving the hotel after lunch on Sunday afternoon. As their convoy exited the premises, journalists stationed along the roadside attempted to cover the development.
A video related to the episode soon went viral on social media platforms, leading to strong reactions from journalists and media organizations across Himachal Pradesh.
The departmental enquiry ordered by Shimla Police is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether disciplinary action is warranted against the personnel involved.
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