A case was registered against two journalists who shot footage of Karnataka minister Tanveer Sait allegedly going through pornographic photos on his phone at a public event.
The case is based on a complaint by Sait, who could face action from the government if an inquiry finds him guilty.
The additional superintendent of police (Raichur), SB Patil, said the duo -- a district reporter and cameraman of a news channel -- had been booked for intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace under section 504 of the Indian Penal Code.
Read | Karnataka minister Tanveer Sait caught viewing porn on phone at state event
In an embarrassment for the government, Sait, the minister for primary and secondary education, was caught scrolling through the images during a state-sponsored celebration of Tipu Jayanti in Raichur district.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah, who said action would be taken against Sait if found guilty, was unaware of the case.
“I’m not defending anyone, what is important is whether the mistake has been committed or not. I don’t want innocents to get punished, whoever it is, whichever party the person may belong to,” the chief minister said on Saturday.
{{/usCountry}}“I’m not defending anyone, what is important is whether the mistake has been committed or not. I don’t want innocents to get punished, whoever it is, whichever party the person may belong to,” the chief minister said on Saturday.
{{/usCountry}}“If Tanvir Sait has committed a mistake, it is a mistake. What I have said is let us get a report on that let us conduct an inquiry and if mistake is proved, let us take action.”
Sait claimed that someone sent the photos on WhatsApp on purpose, and he was caught unwares when scrolling through messages.Siddaramaiah said Sait had been asked to submit a report on the matter which would then be investigated.
“I will not accept the report he submits as it is,” he assured.