Though they aren’t being held on murder charges in connection with the death of Indian professor Srinivas Ramchandra Siras, two television journalists were arrested for taking part in videotaping Siras having sex with a male rickshaw puller.
Aadil Murtaza and Siraj are being held on charges of blackmailing, criminal intimidation, breach of privacy, and trespassing, which comes after increased pressure on officials for a full investigation into Siras’ scandal and death. Another journalist, as well as three Aligarh Muslim University officials — Zubair Khan (proctor), Farheed Ahmad Khan (deputy proctor), Rahat Abrar (public relations officer), and N.A.K. Durrani (media adviser) –- were also booked, with more charges pending.
Jean-Paul, Canada
Good news.
We owe a debt of gratitude to those who applied pressure in order to move the investigation along: Naz Foundation, Saheli, Nigah, Voices Against Section 377, and Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA, Mumbai).