Zee News editor Sudhir Chaudhary, facing notice from the police to join probe after the channel aired the interview of December 16 gang-rape victim's male friend, on Satutday moved a Delhi court pleading that his statement to the police be video recorded.
Without specially mentioning in its order if Chaudhary's statement would be video recorded or not, the court asked the Delhi police to proceed in accordance with the law. "I have heard the counsel for the accused. SHO PS Vasant Vihar is directed to proceed as per law," Metropolitan Magistrate Namrita Aggarwal ordered.
The application moved on behalf of Zee News editor said he has been asked to join probe this evening and a case has already been slapped against him.
"The applicant has received notice for attending investigation at Vasant Vihar police
station. He prays that his statement made under section 161 (3) CrPC be recorded by audio video electronic means," Chaudhary's counsel Vijay Aggarwal submitted before the court.
He said, "The interview of the male friend had highlighted the irresponsible attitude of the police towards the victims, so how can the same police register the case again the channel and also investigate it. It cannot be a fair investigation."
The police has registered a case against Zee News for revealing the identity of the gang-rape victim by carrying an interview of her male friend who was the lone witness in the case.
The case has been filed in the Vasant Vihar police station under Section 228 (A) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to disclosure of identity of victims of certain offences, including rape.