Journalist says ‘sorry’ he played part in ‘character assassination’; apology after ThePrint’s story on Sarvjeet’s struggles.
New Delhi: A former Times Now employee, who claims to have put out the story on the alleged molestation of St Stephen’s student Jasleen Kaur, has now apologised (in a personal capacity) to the accused, Sarvjeet Singh Bedi, saying he is “ashamed” and “regrets” the episode.
The apology came soon after ThePrint published a story on Sarvjeet Singh’s struggles as proceedings in the case are yet to begin, with Jasleen not having attended a single hearing in the matter till date.
“Just read ThePrint article on the story of your case. I was very disturbed. I wanted to personally apologise to you for playing a part in your character assassination. I worked with TIMES NOW during the time of the incident,” the former Times Now employee wrote to Sarvjeet through Facebook messenger.
Also read: This Delhi man was called a ‘pervert’ in viral post 3 years ago — and he’s still stuck there
He added that it was “sad” that journalism had been reduced to “breaking stories” without verifying them. “Your case was one such. I was one of the first ones to break that story and I can’t tell you how much I regret it today,” he wrote. “I have been meaning to message you and apologise since the time I quit TV news. But reading the article today made me really sad. I am very sorry”.
Worked on the desk, says journalist
Speaking to ThePrint, the journalist said that he was on the desk in Times Now when he broke the story on TV.
“I felt extremely sorry about breaking that story, just because we wanted to be first. In this constant tussle to be ahead of other TV channels, a life was ruined,” the journalist, who did not want to be named, said.
“I could not apologise to Sarvjeet earlier because I was still working with the Times group. Today, when I read the story on ThePrint, I could not stop myself and wrote to him. The problem is about desk-driven journalism that I was a part of and I regret it,” he added.
He further said that “sensationalism” has completely taken over journalism. “Journalists have no time or patience to listen to the ‘other side’ or verify facts before running a story. The media today is no better than the Khap panchayat of Haryana, which pronounces a person guilty without a trial,” he said.
In his message to Sarvjeet, he further stated that even though he cannot bring back the time Singh has lost, he is ashamed of what he did. “I know my apology will not change a thing in court or bring back anything you’ve lost. I can’t even begin to understand how you must have felt and the hardships you went through, but I hope you please accept my apology. Sorry for everything!” he wrote.
Also read: Why Delhi woman behind viral post on ‘molestation’ didn’t appear in court for 3 years
Sarvjeet demands an apology from channel
Speaking to ThePrint, Sarvjeet said that he has no complaints with the journalist but demanded an apology from the channel. “The journalist was just an employee of the Times Group who was doing his job. It is the channel and its editor who should issue an apology,” Singh said. “They called me a national pervert, delhi ka darinda (Delhi’s demon) and what not. That was not the employee’s fault but an editorial call”.
Arnab Goswami was the editor-in-chief of Times Now at that time.
Sarvjeet later put a post on his Facebook wall, along with a screenshot of his conversation with the journalist, urging news channels to be responsible and verify facts before putting out stories.
“Agar duniya aap news channels ko dekhti hai to wo us news par belive kar lete hai. Ki aap jo sach hai wohi dikhate hain..kabhi kabhi who sah nahin hota.. log use sach mante hai..it is a req ki ehle sach pata kare..fir duniya ko dikhaye.. sirf TRP he sab kuch nahi hoti. (the audience believes what news channels show. So, the channels should verify facts before putting out a story; TRP is not everything,” he wrote.
Arnab Goswami and the reporter Pooja Shali (ex Times Now, now with India Today) destroyed a man’s life. Universe is watching. They will be dealt the same pain, hurt, suffering and humiliation soon. Scores will be settled above.
I remember the first case in this category. Manish Dalal weds Nisha Sharma.
Manish was assasinated by the Media domestic and international. The dowry incident was on London Herald’s page. Just think of what the family would have gone through, his mother an almost retired VicePrincipal put in Jail just on a false complaint. The case has been awarded to Manish by Law and Nisha Sharma(was already married).
Same goes with Sarvjeet’s case, now 3 years have gone by, his life is nowhere on track. Who is responsible? The Media, The Girl or WE, the people of INDIA? Very important for us to understand the difference between right and wrong. We just don’t have the right to play with someone else’s reputation and life. Destruction is easy but character, reputation are built over generations.
It takes great courage for someone to accept that he’s wrong and for this I appreciate the journalist for bringing conscience back to life.
An apology from the journalist or the channel won’t help. How about the CM who jumped to the occasion and awarded Jasleen a ₹50K & so did the Delhi police . Why could the police not get to the crux of the story. What part the court should play here ? Shouldn’t the court ensure such character assassination of innocent people doesn’t happen. And shouldn’t the punishment be a deterrent one . Why shouldn’t Jasleen be punished? Shouldn’t the court ensure the girl is punished & set an example so to discourage any such future stunts by girls to get instant fame ?
Surely, the concerned bench can take into account this confession and ensure that the matter is decided at the earliest.
According to my knowledge no such bailable warrant was issued.clear the doubts .no offence.its a request
As I have been saying of late, Arbab is an anti national who has ruined the life of many Indians. While he is calling others the names like pervert, thug, terrorist,, one should suspect what he really is ?
The problem is with Indian courts, they do not punish people who makes false allegations
I hv experienced the same .I request u to put also my story n save my life
The TIMES NOW, Editor in Chief at that time and Jasleen Kaur should be brought to books and the respected court should take a note of this so as to expedite the case
We trust the printed word.
It’s time Arnab suffers….sweet and simple
Times Now would now think the same way as Arnab migrated to a competetive channel.