Pune Journalists Booked for Allegedly Filming Woman in Hotel Room During ‘Sting Operation’
Pune Journalists Booked for Allegedly Filming Woman in Hotel Room During ‘Sting Operation’
Serious concerns over privacy and journalistic ethics have emerged after four journalists in Pune were booked for allegedly recording a woman without her consent while she was changing clothes inside a hotel room.
According to officials from the Pune City Police, the accused include Rohan Kadam, a reporter linked to the Marathi television news channel Jai Maharashtra, along with three others. The group had checked into a room at Ajay Lodge in the Budhwar Peth area on April 8. From there, they allegedly filmed a woman in a neighboring room during a private moment, without her knowledge.
The situation came to light when the woman noticed the act and immediately raised an alarm. She later approached the Vishrambag Police Station, where a First Information Report (FIR) was registered late Friday night.
During questioning, the accused reportedly claimed they were conducting a “sting operation.” However, police have taken a serious view of the matter, treating it as a clear violation of privacy rather than a legitimate journalistic exercise.
A case has been registered under Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to voyeurism—capturing or sharing images of a woman without consent in situations where privacy is expected. Section 3(5) has also been applied in the case.
The issue has also drawn political attention. Rupali Patil Thombare from the Nationalist Congress Party filed a complaint, alleging that the so-called sting operation was part of a conspiracy to defame her. Speaking to the media, she claimed that the journalists had accepted ₹25 lakh from political opponents and had previously broadcast content aimed at damaging her image. She stated, “Not all journalists are bad, just like not all politicians are. But ideally, there should be no room for such wrongdoing in journalism.”
Meanwhile, the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ) has strongly condemned the incident. The union has written to the Police Commissioner demanding strict action and clarified that it will not support any journalist involved in unethical activities. Its representatives also met Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishikesh Rawale, stressing that such conduct harms the credibility of the profession.
The union further noted that such incidents damage the reputation of honest journalists and create distrust among the public. It also opposed any attempts to interfere with the legal process, especially amid reports on social media suggesting pressure from the accused and their political connections.
Police officials have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on the findings.
