‘Soren In Jail Like Adivasis In Jungle’ Case Filed Against Aaj Tak Anchor's Controversial Remark (image-twitter/sudhirchaudhary)

The Aaj Tak anchor Sudhir Chaudhary’s remark on former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren has sparked controversy. Chaudhary during the primetime show said that Soren’s night in the jail would be like going back by “20, 30, 40 years like an Adivasi to the jungle”, reports News Laundry.

For perpetuating such derogatory remarks, the Aadivasi Sena in Ranchi, a tribal group has filed a police complaint against the Aaj Tak anchor. The controversial remark was made during his primetime show “Black and White” which was aired on January 31. 

During the show, the anchor asked if the Soren family, which belongs to the SC/ST community, should be “given reservation” or the benefits of the SC/ST Act. 

“Where will he spend tonight? He is accustomed to a lavish lifestyle. But today, in a way, it will be like going back by 20, 30, 40 years like an Adivasi to the jungle. It will be a tough night,” Chaudhary added.

Titling the tribal community being economically “poor” and contained to the jungle, the TV anchor said that those in the community who are economically better off should not be given reservations. 

Pointing out the Hemant”s arrest by ED in an alleged money laundering case, Chaudhary asked, “Does this family have the right to say that it is poor? Should they get a reservation? Should the Soren family reap the benefits of reservation? Should they get the benefits given to the tribals? Should their power be increased through the SC/ST Act? Because they are even wealthier than most of the richest people in the country. They are not tribals, they live in big, big bungalows”.

Hemant Soren, who is accused of an alleged land scam, was formally arrested after being taken to the ED office on Wednesday.

Hemant Soren tendered his resignation letter to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan after several hours of questioning by the ED officials. Hemant announced his resignation from the chief ministerial post before the arrest. The Supreme Court of India refused to interfere in the writ petition filed by the former Jharkhand chief minister, Hemant Soren, challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday.