The tussle between Maharashtra Government and Arnab Goswami
The case in which he is arrested pertains to suicide by Anvay Naik, the MD of an architect company and the channel owed him Rs 83 lacs for designing its studio. Arnab has been arrested under Sections 306 and Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
Much to everyone’s surprise the Editor-in-Chief of Republic Bharat, Mr. Arnab Goswami was arrested by the Mumbai police in an Abetment to Suicide case. Arnab was arrested in a joint operation by the Raigad police and the Mumbai Police. He was arrested from his residence by a team consisting of API Sachin Waze.
The case in which he is arrested pertains to suicide by Anvay Naik, the MD of an architect company and the channel owed him Rs 83 lacs for designing its studio. Arnab has been arrested under Sections 306 and Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
#IndiaWithArnab | Everyone knows why they're doing this; it's a crackdown as on a terrorist; I am imploring them, release him now & be ready to face the consequences: Protester at Delhi's Press Club; Sign the petition to support #ArnabGoswami here – https://t.co/Y9zlarecVl pic.twitter.com/zBFkOqX6Nv
— Republic (@republic) November 4, 2020
Arnab Goswami claimed that police physically assaulted him while trying to arrest him. Republic TV reported around 10 policemen entered Arnab’s house and “pushed and heckled” Arnab demanding he come out. The police also made sure that the entire incident is video-recorded so that they may refute any allegations against them. His channel is also alleging that he was denied his right to consult his legal team.
Reportedly, Arnab Goswami will be taken to Raigad for further questioning related to the case. The case happened in 2018 and in 2020 Maharashtra’s home minister informed that the case will be reopened and investigated by CID on request made by Naik’s daughter.
The police will have to produce Arnab Goswami before a magistrate for demanding custody and he also has the remedy to file for Bail.
Maharashtra Government is being criticized heavily for this move by many leaders. This move is also being considered as Revenge Politics after Goswami’s Channel questioned the handling of Sushant Singh’s Rajput case by the Mumbai Police and the TRP scam case. He also spoke fearlessly against the Palghar lynching case. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has asserted that the arrest was made following all due process and law. Police can take action if they have evidence against anyone,” Raut said.
“Congress and its allies have shamed democracy once again. Blatant misuse of state power against Republic TV and Arnab Goswami is an attack on individual freedom and the 4th pillar of democracy. It reminds us of the Emergency. This attack on the free press must be and WILL BE OPPOSED,” tweeted Home Minister Amit Shah as reports emerged of Arnab Goswami’s arrest. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar also criticized the attack on freedom of the press. Many BJP leaders have also registered their strong criticism.
