ANI reporter attacks PTI female journo, Netizens shame Smita Prakash 

NEW DELHI: In a distressing event at a Bengaluru press conference, an ANI reporter was caught on video assaulting a female PTI journalist. The incident, which occurred during a press event hosted by Congress leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, has sparked outrage and condemnation.

PTI shared the video on Twitter, stating: “Abominable behaviour by ANI (@ANI) reporter who physically assaulted and verbally abused with sexual expletives a young PTI female reporter at a press event (@DKShivakumar @DKSureshINC) in Bengaluru today. Does ANI (@smitaprakash) condone such behaviour by its staffer?”

VIDEO | Abominable behaviour by ANI (@ANI) reporter who physically assaulted and verbally abused with sexual expletives a young PTI female reporter at a press event (@DKShivakumar @DKSureshINC) in Bengaluru today. Does ANI (@smitaprakash) condone such behaviour by its staffer?… pic.twitter.com/kZhz8MleoC

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2024

The footage shows the male reporter attempting to slap the woman, dressed in a black-pink floral print shirt, amidst a gathering of media personnel. The tweet from PTI questions ANI’s editor Smita Prakash on whether such actions by her staff member are acceptable.

Following the incident’s online circulation, the public is calling on Prakash to address the situation and take disciplinary action against the reporter. One person, Riyaz, said, “Smitha Prakash will go silent now.” Another person asked Prakash to apologize. Vikas commented, “Shame on you ANI and Smitha Prakash. You must apologize.” Third person, Ashok Shekhaw added, “It is a very shameful assault by the ANI journalist on the PTI female journalist. Strict action should be initiated on the ANI journalist for his brutal assault.”

PTI has also mentioned in the tweet that an FIR has been filed over the incident and they will also complain to the National Commission for Women. The tweet reads, “An FIR is being lodged over the shocking incident, which has left the reporter traumatised. PTI will also file a complaint with the National Commission for Women (@NCWIndia). @sharmarekha”.