The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Assam government on Thursday, 3 April 2025. This notice has been given regarding the detention of a journalist who went to cover a protest against alleged financial irregularities in a bank in Guwahati. According to reports, this journalist was working in a digital news portal and had gone to cover the protest in front of Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Limited. But, the police took him into custody, which has raised questions on the freedom of journalism.
Protesters were demanding an inquiry into the scam in the bank
The protesters were demanding a high-level inquiry into the alleged financial irregularities in the bank management and strict action against the culprits. According to the report, when the journalist tried to question the bank’s managing director to confirm the protesters’ allegations, he was taken into custody. The most surprising thing was that no reason was given for the journalist’s arrest. This incident has started a debate about media freedom and violation of human rights.
Human Rights Commission expressed concern
NHRC has taken this matter seriously and has called it a case related to violation of human rights of the journalist. The commission has issued a notice to the Assam government and has sought a detailed report of the entire incident from the state’s Director General of Police (DGP). The commission has directed to submit the report within four weeks. This matter has raised many important questions regarding the safety and freedom of journalists.
Questions raised on freedom of journalists
After this incident, journalists and human rights activists are angry about the action of the Assam government. They say that if journalists are prevented from doing fair reporting and are detained without any reason, then this is a dangerous sign for the freedom of the press. After the notice of NHRC, it will now be interesting to see how the Assam government reacts to this whole matter and whether any concrete action is taken or not.
