CM, FM among various bodies condemn Arnab Goswami's arrest

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The arrest of prominent journalist ArnabGoswami has stirred reactions from various political figures and organizations of the State.

Goswami was arrested by the Mumbai Police on Wednesday from his residence for allegedly abetting the suicide of a 53-year-old interior designer.

Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal through his twitter handle said it is a black day for Indian democracy. "I strongly condemn the assault on senior journalist ArnabGoswami by Mumbai Police. Vendetta politics should be stopped and freedom of press should be maintained in Maharashtra by releasing MrGoswami," the CM tweeted.

State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Goswami's arrest is nothing but muzzling of freedom of press by vindictive Maharashtra government.

"Strongly condemn this shameless politically motivated Mumbai Police action. It's like Emergency days in Maharashtra," tweetedSarma. State BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass also criticised the Shiv Sena and the Congress government and demanded Goswami's immediate release.

The Gauhati Press Club (GPC) said reopening of an old case of abetment to suicide that was closed for want of evidence, and arresting Goswami in connection with the said case is very unfortunate. The manner in which he was arrested clearly leaves room for suspicion towards witch-hunting, the GPC added.

The Journalists Association of Assam (JAA) vehemently condemned Goswami's arrest and appealed to the press fraternity to raise their voice against 'fascist act' of police and Maharashtra government.

The Electronic Media Forum, Assam strongly condemned the arrest of the leading journalist and alleged physical assault on his family. "It is not only an incident of physical attack on the prominent journalist, but a brutal attack on the individual freedom and fourth pillar of the democracy," said Forum.

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