The Press Club of India calls for immediate release of Gujarat Samachar's Bahubali Shah

The Press Club of India has jointly released a statement along with the Indian Women's Press Corps, the Press Association, the Delhi Union of Journalists and the Kerala Union of Working Journalists, condemning the arrest of the owner of Gujarat Samachar, Bahubali Shah by the The Enforcement Directorate (ED).

On late Thursday night, the ED arrested Shah in connection with an alleged financial fraud case.

While full details of the charges have not yet been disclosed, family members have stated that they are unaware of the specific allegations behind the arrest.

The letter read: “The Press Club of India, Indian Women’s Press Corps, Press Association, Delhi Union of Journalists, Kerala Union of Working Journalists, Working News Cameramen's Association We, the undersigned journalist organizations - Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association, Delhi Union of Journalists, Kerala Union of Working Journalists, express deep concern at the arrest of the owner of Gujarat Samachar, Bahubali Shah by the Enforcement Directorate, an action which reflects a troubling assault on press freedom and democratic values that uphold the right to free expression in India.

A respected publication with a long-standing legacy of independent journalism, Gujarat Samachar, has been a vital voice for the people of Gujarat and beyond.

Once again, the arrest by the ED raises questions about the misuse of state machinery to muzzle media houses and suppress dissenting voices.

The repeated actions by the ED and allied agencies to target the media certainly undermine the fundamental principles of democracy enshrined in the Constitution and erode public trust in institutions.

We demand utmost transparency regarding the allegations and urge the authorities to ensure due process, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law.

The media plays a critical role in holding power to account, more so in a functioning democracy. The witch-hunting of the media and media persons should stop.

We further urge the government to protect the independence of the press in the interests of a robust democracy.

We also call for the immediate release of the owner unless credible evidence is presented in a transparent manner.”