Mumbai police have arrested Arnab Goswami, founder of Republic TV, for his alleged role in a two-year-old suicide case, prompting journalists to call this an assault on media freedom.
Reports in India media stated the controversial anchorperson was detained for investigation over his alleged role in the death of an architect who designed his studio. Anvay Naik took his life in 2018 and his wife accused Goswami of not paying his fee.
Goswami and Republic TV network deny the allegation.
As the police team arrested Goswami from his house, videos making rounds on social media showed scuffles taking place between Goswami and the police team. The Republic TV also claimed that the police “manhandled” Goswami’s family members.
The arrest of the Indian journalist known for his aggressive style of questioning has been denounced by the media professionals, who termed it an attack on press freedom.
They said they would speak up for Arnab Goswami despite the fact that the latter failed to do so when his peers were targetted by the government.
The Editors Guild of India, a body of India’s editorial leaders, also came forward to defend the journalist.
Another journalist expressed concerns over the increase in attacks on press freedom.
