Detention raises concerns over press freedom and independent journalism in India.
Two journalists from the Hindi news outlet The Sootr were detained by the Rajasthan Police on Friday for allegedly publishing false and defamatory reports regarding Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. The detained individuals, Anand Pandey, the editor-in-chief, and Harish Divekar, the managing editor, were apprehended in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where the news organization is headquartered.
A first information report was lodged at the Karni Vihar police station in Jaipur, accusing the journalists of engaging in blackmail and extortion by disseminating misleading and defamatory content. The complaint was filed by Narendra Singh Rathore, who raised concerns about the reports published by The Sootr.
The police charged the journalists under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to defamation, extortion, and the publication of false information. Additionally, provisions of the Information Technology Act were invoked in the case. Following the complaint, the office of Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph released a statement indicating that an investigation had taken place. This inquiry included gathering technical data and recording statements from relevant witnesses.
The investigation concluded that the articles published on The Sootr were not founded on factual information. According to the police statement, it was revealed that the accused had allegedly made an illegal demand of Rs 5 crore to retract the false news from the channel and to prevent future broadcasts of similar content.
In response to the detention, The Sootr issued a statement asserting that the arrests were an attempt to intimidate and suppress independent journalism. A spokesperson for the outlet emphasized that their reports concerning corruption allegations against Kumari were underpinned by proper documentation and verifiable evidence.
The spokesperson also claimed that the police had refused to register their complaint regarding what they termed as illegal detention. They described this situation as a clear misuse of state power aimed at stifling critical reporting.
The incident has drawn criticism from various political figures, including Congress leader Arun Yadav, who condemned the journalists’ detention as an attack on democracy. He expressed concern over a scenario where journalists who report the truth face imprisonment while those who spread falsehoods remain at liberty. Yadav’s remarks on social media highlighted the potential threats to democratic values in light of this situation.
This case not only raises questions about the actions of the police but also underscores the broader implications for press freedom and the safety of journalists in India. The response from The Sootr and political leaders indicates a growing unease regarding the environment in which independent media operates, particularly when it involves reporting on powerful political figures.
