The prominent anchor is accused of spreading derogatory narratives on her show, highlighting ongoing tensions over religious sensitivity
NEW DELHI — Ludhiana police have formally registered a case against prominent TV news anchor Anjana Om Kashyap for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the Valmiki community. The case centres on remarks she made during her show Black and White, in which she recounted the life of Saint Valmiki in a manner the community found derogatory.
The FIR, filed on Thursday, also names India Today Group Editor-in-Chief Arun Puri and Living Media India Limited as co-accused. The complaint was lodged by Chaudhary Yashpal, National Convenor of Bharatiya Valmiki Dharma Samaj Bhavdas, whose president is Vijay Danav.
According to the FIR, in an episode aired on 7 October, Kashyap referred to Saint Valmiki, stating: “His real name was Ratnakar, who used to commit robbery but changed his life under the guidance of Narad Muni.” The complainant argued that such remarks deeply offended the religious sentiments of the Valmiki community, which venerates the saint as a divine figure.
Chaudhary Yashpal told reporters, “Valmiki is our God. Spreading such false stories about him is intolerable. This is a direct attack on the community’s existence and faith. We will not rest until the accused are put behind bars.” He further urged community members to unite and stage peaceful protests to protect their religious dignity.
The case has been registered under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 2023, which addresses deliberate or malicious acts intended to hurt the religious sentiments of any class of citizens, including through words, images, signs, or electronic communication.
Additionally, Section 3(1)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, has been cited to protect the dignity and rights of the community.
The remarks came during a debate segment on Kashyap’s show about an incident involving a lawyer throwing a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. During the debate, Kashyap recounted Valmiki’s life as “an inspiring story of self-realisation and transformation.”
Leaders of the Valmiki community, however, strongly contested this portrayal. “This story is merely a folktale, with no historical evidence. Making such fabrications about the life of a deity amounts to religious insult,” stated a senior community representative.
The FIR also references a Supreme Court ruling emphasising that the sanctity and greatness of Lord Valmiki cannot be questioned. The complainants assert that Kashyap’s statement violates the constitutional right to religious respect and the spirit of the court’s decision.
This is not the first legal challenge faced by Anjana Om Kashyap. In September, a Lucknow court ordered a case against her following a complaint by former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur. The complaint alleged that a programme aired on 14 August sought to create division and enmity between communities.
Observers note that repeated controversies surrounding Kashyap’s programmes raise questions about media responsibility and the delicate balance between reporting and respecting religious sentiments, especially for communities historically marginalised in India.
“Media should inform, not inflame. Insulting religious figures only sows discord,” said a senior journalist familiar with the case.The FIR and ongoing investigation mark another chapter in debates over religious respect, freedom of expression, and media accountability in India’s diverse society. The Valmiki community has pledged to follow up on the legal proceedings until justice is served, signalling continued vigilance over their religious rights.
