Arrest of Assam Journalist Sparks Statewide Protests on Press Freedom

A journalist from Assam, Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, was detained for over nine hours by police after questioning a cooperative bank MD about financial irregularities. The arrest led to widespread protests by media personnel. Mozumder, facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST Act, was later granted bail.

A journalist linked to a digital news portal in Assam was detained and subsequently arrested after questioning the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank MD about alleged financial irregularities, according to officials. This arrest prompted protests across the state, as media personnel and organizations condemned the action as an attack on press freedom.

Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, who serves as assistant general secretary of the Gauhati Press Club, faced multiple charges under different sections including those linked to intimidation and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The lack of immediate information to his family and colleagues has drawn criticism of police practices.

Media organizations and journalists demonstrated in various locations, including the Gauhati Press Club and Kamrup's Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court, demanding Mozumder's immediate release. The Press Club of India labeled the arrest as an infringement of press freedom, highlighting the necessity for accountability and transparency in handling such cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)