Suvendu calls arrest of journalist attack on freedom of press in West Bengal

Journalist Manab Guha was arrested by the Kolkata Police last week for allegedly for posting certain material on social media

Kolkata  

Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on October 17 described the arrest of journalist Manab Guha as an attack on the freedom of the press. 

Mr. Guha was arrested by the Kolkata Police last week for allegedly for posting certain material on social media that was related to a clash between two committees at Ekbalpore in Kolkata.

 “The manner in which Manab Guha has been picked up from his home without search warrant and stringent sections slapped against him. This is an attack on freedom of speech and freedom of press in West Bengal,” Mr. Adhikari said at a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club.

“Manab Guha and for many others like him the only sin was that he put the truth in public domain. Attempts are being made by the Chief Minister to force people to delete those who protested by writing poems and singing songs against her,” the Leader of the Opposition said. Mr. Adhikari also expressed anguish that representatives of the Kolkata Press Club had not expressed support for the arrested journalist.

“I had hoped that the Press Club would have registered their protests, maybe only by putting up black badges. This would not have angered the ruling party and you have registered your protest in connection with Manab Guha’s arrest. But since they have not, as Leader of Opposition I am forced to address the press conference at the press club,” Mr. Adhikari said. 

The BJP MLA said he was willing to extend all kinds of help to the arrested journalist who remains in police custody.