The woman claimed that she was threatened by the host and cameraman on Monday when she questioned their activities at Elliots Beach. The Police Officer further condemned this “illegal” act although he did not further explain what was illegal about this video.
In the video, we could see a woman discussing about her sexuality. Although, the complaint was made against the team, we see these women quite comfortable about what they talk. Police say they arrested Dinesh (31), the owner of the channel; VJ Asen Badshah (23); and cameraperson Ajay Babu (24), based on complaints from people.
“We received a tipoff from a fisherwoman at the beach that such videos were being shot there and people were being asked uncomfortable questions. Based on this tipoff, Shastri Nagar Sub Inspector Murugan and Inspector Shanmugasundaram went to the beach where they found the men with microphones and camera. When they were questioned, two of the men said that it was a prank show and even abused the public who tried to intervene,” an officer from the Shastri Nagar PS told The News Minute.
The Police further added that women passerby were asked to give bytes and later were asked about their personal lives and choices.
The woman who’s video went viral, stated that she faced harassment from viewers as the video started going viral, with several people abusing her and slut-shaming her. This backlash, the woman has said, could have been avoided if the channel had disabled comments – which they allegedly promised her they would do, but didn’t. The woman also said she was paid Rs 1,500 for the shoot, and said that the video was scripted in order to make it go viral.
The YouTube channel with almost seven Crore views is now being taken down and the equipment of the team has been confiscated. The team has been booked under a Sexual Harassment case although we are unclear as to why. Apart from that l, the have been booked under sections 294(b) (sings recites utters any obscene song ballad or words in public), 354(b) (assault or use of criminal force to women with intent to disrobe), 509 (Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any words, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound), 506(ii) (criminal intimidation).
After the incident, a Tamil YouTube channel had a one-on-one interview with the woman. The team not just took the advantage of the opportunity but also framed questions that shamed the woman, assassinated her character in public yet again after all the harassment she went through and put her in a place so that she could feel guilty and ashamed.
Several journalists condemned the act.
Dear @behindwoods– shameful, your anchor’s behaviour.
— Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) January 12, 2021
Really a cheap interview, this is just another exploitation & character assassination, what’s the difference btw that accused YouTube channel & behindwoods ?
— Avilesh kumar (@AvileshKumar) January 12, 2021
Andha video full ah pathuta neeye script panni dhana potturuka nee evlo kudutha….. Idhula last la job vacant irukam evlo 1500 ah salary worst interview ever
— Saran Smirz (@SaranSmirz) January 13, 2021
Several on social media are condemning the channel for an insensitive and a ruthless interview.
