Mirzapur, December 18: Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday withdrew a case against journalist Pawan Jaiswal who reported that students of Siyur primary school in Mirzapur district were fed rotis with salt instead of vegetable. The police were unable to find any evidence against Jaiswal. However, a representative of a village head, Rajkumar Pal, was found guilty in the police investigation. Editors Guild of India Says ‘Don’t Shoot the Messenger’ After UP Govt Files FIR Against Journo.

In August, Jaiswal shot a video, in which a woman was seen distributing rotis and another woman giving salt to children as the midday meal at the school under Jamalpur block of Mirzapur. After the video went viral on social media, the police lodged a case against Jaiswal and Pal for allegedly conspiring and deliberately recording the video in a well-planned manner to malign the state government. Salt-Roti Midday Meal: Yogi Adityanath Government to Examine FIR Against Journalist.

Statement of Mirzapur Police:

Both were booked under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharging duty), 193 (false evidence) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The Uttar Pradesh government faced flak after the FIR was registered against the journalist. Media persons held a protest at the district collectorate in support of Jaiswal. Two teachers were also suspended by the state government after the video surfaced on social media.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2019 10:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).