Editors Guild condemns arrest of Journalist in Guwahati, demands clarification

The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has expressed deep concern over the detention of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar in Guwahati, Assam, for reportedly questioning the Managing Director of a cooperative bank embroiled in allegations of irregularities.

According to reports, Mozumdar, Chief Reporter at The CrossCurrent and Assistant General Secretary of the Guwahati Press Club, was taken into custody on March 25, 2025, after covering a protest at the premises of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank. He was reportedly detained after seeking answers from the bank’s Managing Director regarding alleged irregularities.

Mozumdar was arrested following several hours of questioning under Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

In a strongly worded statement, the EGI condemned the detention of a journalist while performing his professional duties. It emphasized that while the media is responsible for reporting fairly and accurately, it is equally the duty of the Assam government to ensure that journalists can work without fear, intimidation, or obstruction.

The EGI called on the Assam administration to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Mozumdar’s detention. It warned that unjust detention of journalists raises serious concerns about press freedom, particularly at a time when the media is perceived to be under siege across the country.

The Guild urged all governments and law enforcement agencies to uphold constitutional values and protect press freedom. It also called for refraining from using criminal laws to intimidate or harass journalists.

Signed by EGI President Anand Nath, General Secretary Ruben Banerjee, and Treasurer K Ve Prasad, the statement reiterated that no journalist should be unjustly held anywhere under any circumstances.