POCSO case against Kerala news channel over controversial Kalolsavam reporting

The Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment police have registered a case against Kerala-based Reporter TV channel for their controversial coverage of the state school festival (Kalolsavam) held on the first week of January 2025.

Arun Kumar, the Consulting Editor of Reporter TV, has been named as the first accused in the case. The case is based on a complaint filed by the Kerala State Child Welfare Commission.

The controversy centers around an alleged double meaning conversation between Arun Kumar and a channel reporter over a child dressed as a bride during an Oppana performance at the Kalolsavam festival. The conversation was perceived as having a double meaning, leading to public backlash and subsequent investigation.

Earlier, the chairperson of the Kerala State Child Welfare Commission, K V Manoj Kumar had called for an urgent report from both the channel's head and the Thiruvananthapuram District Police Chief to investigate the matter.