Arunachal Pradesh CM condemns Arnab's arrest: 'Brazen misuse of power by Maharashtra govt'

Condemning the illegal arrest of Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that the incident is a 'brazen misuse' of power by the Maharashtra government. The BJP leader highlighted that the arrest of Arnab Goswami is a 'direct attack' on freedom of expression and an attempt to stifle free voice. 

'Attack on free press'

As the Mumbai Police continues its witch hunt against Republic and arrested Arnab Goswami on Wednesday morning, several leaders including Union Ministers have condemned the 'totalitarian' act, labeling it as a clear attack on press freedom. Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the MVA government in Maharashtra for the 'blatant misuse of state power' to target the 4th pillar of democracy.

READ | Arnab Goswami's 20-year-old Son Manhandled By Mumbai Police, Shocking Visuals On Tape

BJP National President JP Nadda remarked that 'India will punish Sonia-Rahul Gandhi for their brazen and intimidating use of state power'. Moreover, he highlighted that every person who believes in free press and freedom of expression is 'furious' at the Maharashtra government. Labeling the incident as 'shocking,' Nadda asserted that this is another instance of the Gandhis' 'directed antic of silencing' those who disagree with them. 

READ | HM Amit Shah Condemns Arnab Goswami's Arrest, Says 'attack On Free Press Will Be Opposed'

'Pulled by his belt, beaten on the back'

In a shocking incident on Wednesday morning, Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief was illegally arrested and assaulted by the Mumbai Police. Arnab was dragged out of his own home as nearly 40-50 police officers cordoned off his residence. Moreover, the cops also attacked his 20-year-old son and manhandled him as he tried to capture the brazen attack by the Mumbai Police on camera. The incident, which has been captured on camera, shows Arnab screaming at the cops to not touch his son.

READ | JP Nadda Slams MVA Govt's 'bullying & Harassment' Of Arnab; Asserts, "India Will Punish"

After the arrest, Maharashtra Police took him to Raigad Police Station and stated that he has been arrested under charges of abetment of suicide in the 2018 Anvay Naik case - which was closed but has now been reopened. Apart from harassing Arnab at his own residence, the cops also blocked Republic Executive editor Niranjan Narayanswamy and senior associate editor Sanjay Pathak from entering Arnab's residence. When Niranjan said that it is his right to report, he was thrown out of the building and the Mumbai Police attempted to take away his phone. 

READ | Arnab Goswami Arrested LIVE Updates: Amid Nationwide Support Arnab Roars ‘people Will Win’