Journo booked for ‘objectionable language’ against Badri-Kedar temple panel chief

Dehradun: An FIR has been registered against a journalist for allegedly using "objectionable language" against Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) chairperson in a social media post and for purportedly creating a disturbance during a recent press conference by the committee.Based on a complaint lodged by the chairperson's personal secretary, Pramod Nautiyal, at Dehradun's Dalanwala police station, an FIR was registered against Deep Maithani on Friday. Nautiyal alleged that Maithani made posts using "objectionable language against BKTC chairperson Hemant Dwivedi" on Facebook on March 19 while questioning the committee's latest directive requiring non-Hindus to submit an affidavit before visiting the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines."During a press conference on Tuesday, Maithani appeared in an inebriated condition and deliberately asked pointless questions. The chairperson politely requested him not to disturb the press conference, but in vain," Nautiyal stated in his complaint, adding that his remarks had hurt the sentiments of thousands of devotees.Sub-inspector Rajneesh Saini, who is investigating the case, said, "An FIR has been registered under sections 353(3) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 352 (intentional insult) of BNS. A probe is underway and the accused will be called in for questioning."