Maharashtra— An incendiary show headline from a leading show broadcasted by a satellite channel reads, "Hindus should become Muslims, otherwise it might lead to the beheading of Hindus." These alarming statements, made by the channel owner, have not faced any consequences or actions taken against the channel. This is not the first time the channel has been accused of inciting hatred between communities, as the owner has repeatedly called for ethnic cleansing and labeled Muslims as enemies of the nation.

The Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) have once again addressed this issue and filed a complaint against the owner, for his speech and Twitter posts.

In Maharashtra's Sangamner, the Sakal Hindu Samaj organized the Hindu Jan Akroash Morcha, during which hate preacher demonized Muslims, objectified Muslim women, and encouraged them to marry Hindus.

The complaint filed by CJP highlights the editor's racially divisive and inciting comments. He discussed the "benefits" of Muslim women marrying Hindu men, such as the absence of divorce (talaq), no requirement for child circumcision, the limitation to one wife, and the absence of "hum chaar humare chawalees" [four of us and 44 children].

The editor also shared videos on Twitter urging people to attend his event before the aforementioned one. In one video, he speaks about his desire to stop the "Islamization" of Sangamner from the Red Fort, stating, "The state of affairs in Sangamner is quite bad because the city is turning 'green.' There is Love jihad taking place against Hindu girls, and Hindus are walking in fear on the streets."

In another video released on June 5, he states, "The saffron march will take place at any cost, and we anticipate government support."

The journalist can be heard saying, "I have seen some WhatsApp forwards saying that we do not have police permission for our rally. Yet this is just a rumor. In general, we don't need permission for these kinds of events. They do not ask permission before abusing our sisters. Therefore, we do not require authorization to protest this. The morcha will take place no matter what."

Both videos were uploaded by the channel owner using his personal account. He also made the unfounded assertion at the event that "10 lakh Muslim women have married Hindu men ever since I have shown the benefits of marrying them."

Following the incident, a group holding saffron flags and wearing saffron hats was seen entering the "Hotel Lucky" restaurant. They were shouting slogans such as "Jai Bhawani, Jai Shivaji." Another video shows the restaurant being completely ransacked. A third video, although it is unclear if it is from Sangamner or not, shows a group of about 20 men throwing stones despite the presence of the police.

The editor of the news channel has received multiple warnings for spreading false or divisive information. He has a history of broadcasting anti-Muslim misinformation on his programs. He frequently provokes the public and makes false claims in his speeches and TV shows, which often become "viral" on the internet.

Editor's Troubling Track Record

The channel owner and editor has a history of making hate speech, not just in Maharashtra but also in Delhi, Haryana, and on his news channel. He attempts to undermine the Supreme Court's position when the Police file a complaint against him in response to a court directive. These videos, which disproportionately support far-right political parties and exacerbate societal tensions, frequently go viral on social media. They demonize and marginalize minority and outgroup groups by portraying them as scary and dangerous, instilling fear and animosity among the broader population.

His statements clearly demonstrate his lack of respect for the law. He boasts about having numerous FIRs filed against him, yet the police have not taken any action. It is important to note that he provides no evidence to support his claims and deliberately provokes the audience with false assertions. He even proudly states that he doesn't need police approval to hold demonstrations, directly challenging the peace and order that the police strive to maintain.

Such statements and mobilizations have created a broader social climate of menace, fear, violence, and intimidation, which threatens the daily lives of individuals, particularly women and religious minorities. Large-scale hysterical mobilizations like this, triggered by such statements, aim to legitimize violent attacks on the very groups and communities that are stigmatized and demonized.

Media Accountability: Legal Angle and Cable TV Network Regulations

The Mooknayak spoke to former TV journalist Mayank Saxena over a phone call to understand the functioning of satellite channels and the norms they must adhere to. Mayank addressed the reasons why no action has been taken against the channel owner despite multiple complaints.

"He is indeed protected by the power of the regime, the political dispensation at the center, as he is associated with RSS. In Maharashtra, he has organized these rallies more after the previous political dispensation was removed. He is causing disruptions that help the ruling dispensation create a ruckus, diverting their voters' attention away from key issues," said Mayank Saxena.

Mayank explains that the channel owner runs a specific vicious campaign against Muslims and is more active in giving hate-inciting speeches in regions where the BJP's political standing is not strong.

The Mooknayak also inquired about the legal aspect regarding the continued broadcasting of such channels, to which Mayank stated, "The liability lies with the owner of the channel and not individual anchors, as per the Cable TV Network Regulations Act 1995."

Despite numerous complaints against him for inciting hate and openly calling for genocide and ethnic cleansing of minorities, the hate spreader continues to be spared. This raises questions about why the state is so active in stopping journalists from reporting or detaining them in the line of duty, while individuals like him are protected in a way that raises eyebrows when examined closely.