'Violence Is Not The Answer Even Against Bad Journalism': PCI Takes Cognizance Of Alleged Attack On Arnab Goswami; Seeks Report From Maharashtra Govt [Read Press Note]

Two bikers allegedly attacked the car of the senior journalist at wee hours on Thursday in Mumbai. The incident occurred after Goswami made sharp remarks against silence of the opposition on the Palghar mob lynching incident.

Condemning such outlawed attack on a senior journalist, the PCI said it was "distressed" to know that Goswami was attacked, "purportedly for his views as journalist".

"Every citizen in the Country including a journalist has the right to express their opinion which 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.

The Council has now 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 Council condemns this attack and expects from the State Government to apprehend the perpetrators of crime and they be brought to justice immediately," the Council said.

Two saffron-clad sadhus and their driver were allegedly lynched by an unruly mob in Palghar district of Maharshtra last week, while they were lodged in a police van for lockdown violation.

So far a total of 101 people have been arrested and nine minors have been detained in relation to the said incident. While two police officers present at the spot have been suspended, the investigation has been handed to State CID.

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