FIR registered against news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary for spreading misinformation about government scheme

Chaudhary is accused of conspiring against communal harmony during his show on the news channel. An FIR has been registered against Sudhir Chaudhary under various sections of the IPC at Seshadripuram police station in Bengaluru on charges of promoting hatred against communities. Meanwhile, BJP has targeted Congress regarding the FIR against Sudhir Chaudhary.

According to sources,on the complaint of Karnataka Minority Development Corporation (KMDC) Assistant Administrator Shivakumar, a case under Section 505 (mischievous statement) of the Indian Penal Code was registered against channel Aaj Tak and its consultant editor Sudhir Choudhary at Seshadripuram police station in Bengaluru.  FIR has been registered under 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence.

The complainant accused Sudhir Chaudhary of spreading false news about the corporation's plan and trying to disturb communal harmony in the state. Meanwhile, Sudhir Chaudhary, reacting to the FIR, said that he is ready to fight in the court.

On the otherhand,Sudhir Chaudhary wrote on the social media platform 'X', “Received information about FIR against me by the Congress government in Karnataka. The answer to the question FIR? That too with non-bailable sections. That means complete preparation for arrest. My question was why the Hindu community is not included in the self-reliant Sarathi scheme? I am also ready to fight for this. Will meet in court now.”

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya also tweeted regarding the FIR against Sudhir Chaudhary. He wrote, "The FIR against Sudhir Chaudhary of Aaj Tak for merely reporting what was notified by the Congress government in Karnataka is extremely disappointing. You cannot indulge in such appeasement. Sudhir Chaudhary and anyone in the media, whom the rogue Congress tries to scare, it has the full support of every well meaning Indian...

According to the FIR, on September 11, in his 'show Black and White', Sudhir Choudhary claimed that the Karnataka government is running such a scheme, the benefits of which are available only to minorities. Non-minority Hindus do not get this benefit. The government is doing minority appeasement in the state. Along with this, Chaudhary also claimed that this is causing injustice to Hindus.

 Attempt to spread hatred between Hindus and other religions

The complainant alleged, "An attempt is being made to spread hatred between Hindus and other religions by publishing such news." This is also an attempt to create an atmosphere of unrest and incite communal riots. Despite being fully aware of what he is saying, by publishing such news, he is conspiring to disturb the communal harmony in the state.”

What did KMDC say in its statement?

KMDC issued a statement explaining the scheme. KMDC alleged that the channel presented the news in a 'distorted manner'. According to the statement, KMDC will provide subsidy of 50 percent or up to Rs 3 lakh to unemployed youth for self-employment to purchase autorickshaws, accessories and taxis.

It maintained the scheme has been in existence for several years under different development corporations meant for the welfare of various communities. Similar schemes existed for other groups too, the government said, adding that the subsidy scheme for minorities existed even under the Bharatiya Janata Party rule.