New Delhi: Sam Pitroda has apologised to an Indian journalist who was attacked by members of Rahul Gandhi’s team during the latter’s recent visit to the US.
Pitroda, chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, called India Today’s Rohit Sharma to extended the personal apology.
Expressing deep disappointment over the ‘unfortunate’ incident, Pitroda assured the reporter that a thorough investigation would be carried out and steps taken against those responsible for the attack.
Pitroda admitted that such attacks on journalists were unacceptable, and stressed his commitment to press freedom.
Rohit, India Today’s correspondent in the US, had complained he was assaulted by Congress workers in Dallas when he asked Pitroda if Rahul Gandhi would raise the issue of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh during his discussions with American lawmakers.
“I stand firmly for the freedom of the press and will not tolerate any actions that undermine it,” Pitroda told Rohit.
Rohit, who travelled to Dallas on September 7 to cover Rahul’s first visit to the United States after becoming Leader of Opposition, asked Pitroda during a question about the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. This was when several members of Rahul’s advance team raised objections and attacked the journalist, India Today reported.
The reporter’s mobile phone was snatched, and he was asked to delete the interview. He was then confined in a room while Pitroda left for the airport to meet Rahul.
“At least 15 men remained in the room, demanding I delete the last question from the interview. I stood my ground, explaining there was nothing controversial about the question and that their actions were unethical. But they persisted, taking my phone and rummaging through it, even attempting to delete the interview,” Rohit said.
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