Congress Accused of Harassing India Today Journalist in America

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 14, 2024 — An India Today journalist has faced allegations of harassment in the United States, with Congress workers implicated in the incident. This controversy has prompted a strong response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has criticized the Congress party in a recent speech.

During an election rally in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi condemned the Congress, accusing it of hypocrisy and brutality. He described the party's professed commitment to love and harmony as a façade, stating, “Congress has always indulged in brutality.” He further criticized Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, labeling his “Mohabbat Ki Dukan” as merely a cover for the party's true nature.

The allegations stem from an incident involving India Today journalist Rohit Sharma, who was reportedly harassed by Congress workers while conducting an interview with Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda in Dallas. The harassment occurred in the context of Sharma’s questions about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Congress activists are said to have not only objected to the questioning but also confiscated Sharma’s phone and deleted a 30-minute video of the interview.

In response, Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda has publicly disassociated himself from the incident, stating that the party does not support such actions. The incident has sparked a broader debate about freedom of the press and the conduct of political parties in the US and India.

Reports stated that a journalist from India Today, Rohit Sharma, was assaulted by Congress workers last week in Dallas, Texas, during Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the US. Sharma had traveled to cover the visit and was attacked after raising a question about the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Sharma was interviewing Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitroda at the DFW International Airport when he asked if Rahul Gandhi would address the issue of Hindus being killed in Bangladesh during his meetings with US lawmakers. The question triggered a hostile reaction from 20-30 Congress supporters present at the scene.

The supporters created chaos, assaulted Sharma, seized his phone, and deleted the video of the interview. Despite Pitroda's attempt to downplay the situation by stating it was up to Gandhi and the lawmakers to decide on relevant issues, the Congress workers forcibly stopped the recording and deleted the footage.

Sharma recounted the ordeal, describing how the workers, who checked his phone and iCloud, made desperate efforts to erase any trace of the interview. He initially resisted but was ultimately forced to delete the interview. Despite considering involving the police, Sharma opted to notify Pitroda, who suggested rescheduling the interview, though it never materialized.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions and issues related to press freedom, especially regarding sensitive topics. The attack on Sharma, who was performing his journalistic duties, has drawn criticism and raised concerns about the treatment of journalists covering political events.