'Need to safeguard Press', Rakesh Sinha slams MH Govt for 'naked exhibition' of State power

NewsBharati    04-Nov-2020 19:58:01 PM
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New Delhi, November 04 : Condeming the illegal action taken by Mumbai Police and Raigad Police in case of Republic TV Chief and senior journalist Arnab Goswami today, MP Rakesh Sinha has slammed the Maharashtra government for its 'exhibition of power'. Sinha in a letter to Press Council of India, Chiarman, Justice C K Prasad has called for strict action in critical juncture.

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"The action of Maharashtra Police is a severe blow on the freedom of press. The way a senior and respected journalist Arnab Goswami was arrested from his residence in Mumbai is a naked exhibition of the State power. The Facisit action must be condemned by the Press Council of India", the letter signed by Sinha read.
 
It also added that the tendency to silence the journalists by the use of coercive state power posed a serious threat to the Indian democracy. "The press can't be subversive to the state power. Its autonomy and journalist's freedom to report and interpret incidents or issues are vital for the fourth estate". The Mumbai Police and Raigad Police blatantly and brazenly arrested Goswami under Section 306 and 506 of the IPC with regard to a suicide case registered and closed in 2018. The police alleged this arrest was made for abetting suicide.
 
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According to the videos released by the family members of Goswami while the arrest was being made, permission for putting up a legal note on record was denied. Also no summons were served by the police before performing the said illegitimate action. The renowned journalist was further denied all legal or medical assistance despite his injuries in the physical assault perpetrated by the Police.
 
Sinha further requested the PCI to call an emergency meeting and form a committee to investigate the coercive attitude of Maharashtra governement and also immediately send a team to meet Goswami. "The Press Council of India must play its role in the critical juncture. Its our moral and Constitutional duty to safeguard freedom of Press and interests of Journalists", he signed off.