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Authorities get tough on Kumbh photographs

Kumbh Mela Commissioner Sadakant has asked London-based Channel 4, India Today and Outlook to explain footage and photographs taken during the shahi snan on January 14.

The action follows a direction by the Allahabad High Court, which is hearing a public interest litigation filed by an Allahabad native, who objected to the media coverage of the festival.

Sadakant has also asked Channel 4 to submit its entire footage of the mela on January 20.

He has also served notices on the Press Information Bureau chief, the Uttar Pradesh Director of Information to attend the meeting on January 20.

The editors of both newsmagazines have also been asked to submit explanations regarding their coverage of the Mela.

Sadakant said the authorities were investigating two photographers who are alleged to have taken 'objectionable' photographs during the first shahi snan. He, however, refused to name them.

Photography was banned in some bathing areas of the Kumbh after some sadhus protested that they were being snapped in the nude.

The next shahi snan is scheduled for January 24.

Deputy Inspector General S K Garg said that photography is banned within 400 metres of the bathing areas and anyone found violating the ban will have their cameras confiscated. Zoom lenses are also banned, he said.

Complete coverage of the Kumbh Mela

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