In an appalling incident of workplace harassment, a female reporter from the Press Trust of India (PTI) was verbally abused and physically assaulted by a reporter working for the news agency ANI during a press meet in Bengaluru.
The incident, which was captured on camera and shared on the official Twitter handle of PTI, shows the victim, identified as Elizabeth, engaged in a heated argument with the accused, Raghavendra, before he allegedly slapped her multiple times. The assault only ceased after Raghavendra was forcibly restrained by bystanders.
The incident took place on Thursday, March 28, during a press conference featuring Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Condemning the incident in the strongest possible terms, PTI issued a statement, expressing outrage and asserting that it will take all necessary steps to protect its employees. The organisation is in the process of filing a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident, which has left the reporter deeply traumatised. Additionally, PTI intends to lodge a complaint with the National Commission for Women.
The PTI management and colleagues have expressed their solidarity with the victim and have pledged to provide her with all necessary support during this difficult time.
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