New Delhi : The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), on Wednesday night aired the documentary based on the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape by filmmaker Leslee Udwin in the UK and other countries, defying the ban of the Indian government and Delhi High Court.
In fact the documentary was scheduled to be aired in several countries on 8th March, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. However, BBC had aired the documentary much ahead of the schedule, given the intense level of interest and controversy.
Sources also confirm that BBC was fearing a diplomatic pressure from Indian government that prompted the Broadcaster to advance the telecast.
“This harrowing documentary, made with the full support and co-operation of the victim’s parents, provides a revealing insight into a horrific crime that sent shock waves around the world and led to protests across India demanding changes in attitudes towards women,” the BBC statement said.
“The film handles the issue responsibly and we are confident the programme fully complies with our editorial guidelines,” it further added.
The documentary features an interview with Mukesh Singh, one of the five men who had brutally raped and tortured the 23-year-old medical student three years ago. In the interview, Singh has displayed an appalling lack of remorse, blaming the woman for the rape.
The BBC decision came hours after home minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that the government will stop the documentary’s telecast abroad.
The home ministry later said it has asked the ministry of external affairs to liase with the UK government to restrain BBC from airing the documentary.
On Wednesday evening, Delhi Police chief BS Bassi said BBC and the other channels have been informed about the matter.
Broadcast or publication of the documentary has already been restricted in India. The Delhi Police have filed a case and are investigating the matter.
