Mumbai: The Press Council of India condemned the attack on journalist and editor of Republic TV Arnab Goswami, saying that violence is not the answer even against “bad journalism”.
In a press release issued on Thursday, April 23, the Council said that it is “distressed to know about the alleged attack” on Arnab Goswami for his purported “views as a journalist”.
Further, it added that all citizens of the country, including a journalist, has the right to express their opinion even though it “may not be palatable to many”.
“…but this does not give any body the authority to strangulate such voice. Violence is not the answer even against bad journalism,” the Council said in the statement, adding that they condemn the attack.
The Council also urged the Maharashtra government to arrest the miscreants and bring them to justice immediately.
“While taking suo motu cognizance in the matter, Hon’ble Chairman has directed the Government of Maharashtra, through the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police, Mumbai to submit a report on the facts of the case at the earliest,” the statement read.
In the wee hours of Thursday, Arnab Goswami and his wife were allegedly attacked while they were travelling in their car, soon after which the journalist posted a video on Twitter. In the video, he accused AICC interim-president Sonia Gandhi of orchestrating the attack.
Calling Sonia Gandhi ‘biggest coward in India’, Goswami threw an open challenge to Gandhi to attack him with all her might.
Later in the day, two persons, identified as Arun Borade and Pratheek Mishra were arrested by the Mumbai police in connection to the attack.
However, many are not convinced that the attack actually happened and there have been a lot of theories thrown around on social media.
Some others have pointed out that, while the PCI was condemning the attack on Goswami, it was simultaneously taking a jibe at him for his reportage and style of journalism.
