One of India's most prominent TV journalist's, Arnab Goswami, was arrested by Mumbai police on Wednesday for alleged abetment of suicide in a case registered 2 years ago. The statement was made by Goswami's station Republic TV.
Many politicians such as union home Minister Amit Shah raised their voice against the arrest taking aim at the Opposition Congress.
Congress and its allies have shamed democracy once again.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 4, 2020
Blatant misuse of state power against Republic TV & Arnab Goswami is an attack on individual freedom and the 4th pillar of democracy.
It reminds us of the Emergency. This attack on free press must be and WILL BE OPPOSED.
According media reports the case has to do with an interior designer who said he was owed money by Goswami’s Republic TV. Republic showed footage of over a dozen police officers entering Goswami’s house and taking him away in a van.
Republic TV issued a statement suggesting that Goswami and his son were physically assaulted by the police and access to his lawyer was denied.
A spokesperson for Mumbai police said the arrests were carried out by officers from the neighbouring Raigad district.
Goswami, known for spearheading controversial prime-time debates and seen as supporter of the BJP has been in a tug o war with the police in opposition-ruled Maharashtra this year.
आज @ZeeNews के @sudhirchaudhary ने अपने डीएनए में अर्णब का समर्थन किया🙏🏾
— Arnab Goswami (@iArnabGoswami_) November 4, 2020
हर राष्ट्रवादी सदैव उनका आभार रहेगा 🚩#BlackDay4Press #JusticeForArnab
This is not a first for Goswami on dealings with police. Police in April registered a case against Goswami for inciting religious discord after he showed vocal opposition to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi during a show.
Goswami and his reporters are also being investigated in case of allegedly manipulating television ratings.
Photo courtesy of Instagram.