Mixed reactions to BBC move to air gangrape convict interview

New Delhi, Mar 5: The decision by BBC to broadcast the controversial interview of one of the December 16, 2012, gangrape convicts despite the restraining order against its screening has evoked mixed reactions among political parties.

While BJP has been critical of the UK national broadcaster's decision to go ahead with the telecast of the interview shot inside Tihar jail here, Congress said it supported BBC's move and was shocked by the ban imposed on it by the government in the country.

"I think BBC, by choosing to advance telecast this film, has lost its moral (standing) and credibility in the country. The government has already decided to initiate legal action against people who have violated the rules and norms. "

Appropriate legal action will follow. The government will take all necessary measures to ensure that this film doesn't get telecast further," said BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao. Further, criticising the broadcast of the banned interview, which was shot by filmmaker Leslee Udwin and BBC, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi said, "Somewhere this is an attempt to dent the image of India."

However, senior Congress leader Priya Dutt supported the broadcast of the interview, saying the documentary did not defend, but exposed the mindset of the rapist.

"I am very shocked at the decision to ban the video. Rapes happen every single day and this has to be exposed. The documentary didn't defend the rape, it in fact showed the mindset of the rapist. The rapist has not been given a platform.

"I feel terrible for the parents (of the gangrape victim) who are going through trial once again. Justice delayed is justice denied. This is the story which needs to be told," Dutt said.

PTI