(image representation) | Photo Credit: Special Editing
The Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment Police have booked three journalists working for a leading Malayalam news channel under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
Case related to the channel’s coverage of the recently concluded Kerala State School Arts Festival, including interviews and interactions with child participants.
Stuart Keeler, Assistant Commissioner, Cantonment, confirmed A Hindu that the police have registered a first information report (FIR) against Arun Kumar, the channel’s Consulting Editor, and his colleague Shabaz. He said the police had not yet arrested the third arbitrator in the case.
Mr. Keeler said the police registered the FIR based on specific complaints, including one sent by the government’s child rights agency.
He said the police have registered an FIR under Section 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act. The sections relate to the sexual abuse of a child and the broadcasting of “any body part or involvement of a child” through public or mainstream media. They include a penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine.
Published – January 16, 2025 11:27 am IST