Media

Sam Pitroda Calls Indian Reporter To Apologise For Assault In US

By
OB Bureau

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.

Also Read: Assault On Indian Reporter In US: Congress No ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan,’ Says PM Modi

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

Jammu & Kashmir Election: Higher Voting Turnout In Phase 1 Than LS Polls; Pulwama Lowest

New Delhi: Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir got underway on Wednesday on a peaceful…

September 18, 2024

Odisha Flood: 40,000 People Affected, Balasore & Mayurbhanj Collectors Asked To Remain Alert

Bhubaneswar: As several areas of Odisha faced a flood situation following heavy downpour triggered by…

September 18, 2024

Odisha Lifter Swayamjit Sahoo Strikes Gold On International Debut

Bhubaneswar: Pumping iron daily to become a weightlifter is no doubt a rugged and hazardous…

September 18, 2024

After RG Kar Episode In Kolkata, Odisha Govt Issues Guidelines For Doctors’ Safety

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday issued fresh guidelines to ensure safety of doctors, para-medical…

September 18, 2024

More Serial Explosions: Day After Pager Blasts, Walkie-Talkies Detonate In Lebanon

New Delhi: A day after thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah exploded throughout Lebanon, hand-held…

September 18, 2024

Odisha CM Welcomes ‘One Nation, One Election’ Initiative Of Modi Govt

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday welcomed the approval given by the…

September 18, 2024

Be Vigilant To Check The Spread Of MPox, Odisha Govt Alerts Officials

Bhubaneswar: In view of Monkeypox outbreak and the World Health Organisation declaring a public health…

September 18, 2024

Meet Mohana Singh, India’s First Woman Tejas Fighter Pilot

Mumbai: Squadron Leader Mohana Singh is flying high by breaking barriers. She will become India’s…

September 18, 2024