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HomeIndiaRepublic TV editors booked for report on ‘rebellion’ against Mumbai Police commissioner

Republic TV editors booked for report on ‘rebellion’ against Mumbai Police commissioner

The FIR is based on a complaint filed by Shashikant Pawar, a sub-inspector. Republic TV said the FIR was a 'global feat of state machinery trying to muzzle free media'.

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Mumbai: The face-off between Mumbai Police and Republic TV has intensified as the former booked senior editors and newsroom staff of the Arnab Goswami-led news channel Thursday for airing news about a “revolt” within the force against Mumbai Police commissioner Param Bir Singh. 

The FIR, registered at the N.M. Joshi Marg station, invokes sections of the Police (Incitement to Disaffection) Act, 1922, and claims the editors and staff concerned “attempted to incite disaffection” among members of the police force and defamed Mumbai Police with the report. 

ThePrint has accessed a copy of the FIR, which names, among others, Republic TV deputy news editor Sagarika Mitra, senior associate editor and anchor Shivani Gupta, deputy editor Shawan Sen, and executive editor Niranjan Narayanswamy. 

The FIR is based on a complaint filed by Shashikant Pawar, a sub-inspector posted at Mumbai Police’s social media lab. 

The complainant has alleged that the editors mentioned in the FIR “conspired” against the state government and senior police officers of the Mumbai Police to “intentionally create a sentiment of disaffection and hatred”.

“Knowing that there is a possibility of creating a sentiment of disaffection, without any credible information or proof, they telecast that Mumbai Police officers are preparing to rebel against Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh and that there is dissatisfaction against him,” the FIR said, quoting the complainant.

“They defamed the Mumbai Police force where I am working and which has a bright tradition,” the complaint added.

In a statement issued Friday evening, Republic TV said the FIR “achieved a new global feat of state machinery trying to muzzle the voice of the free media”.

The FIR comes amid a months-long tussle between Mumbai Police and Republic TV, including over the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June. Republic TV has repeatedly raised questions about the Mumbai Police’s investigation into Rajput’s death, which the channel claims was a murder.

Earlier this month, Mumbai Police booked Republic TV and two Marathi channels for allegedly fudging television rating points (TRPs) to gain an edge over rivals.


Also Read: Mumbai Police accuses Republic TV of fudging TRPs, Arnab says commissioner ‘targeting’ it


The news report 

On 22 October, Republic TV aired an “exclusive” news report in connection with the alleged TRP scam, and talked about a “rebellion” brewing “against the Mumbai top cop within the Mumbai Police”.

“Policemen part of the (TRP) investigation have revealed to Republic how they are being forced to go after the network for the personal agenda of Param Bir Singh that is destroying the credibility of the Mumbai Police,” anchor Shivani Gupta said.

Top leaders of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had also had a meeting and expressed concerns over the issue, the report claimed. 

In the report, Sagarika Mitra from Republic TV’s Mumbai bureau said Shawan Sen was following the case very closely. Multiple officers — a member of the crime branch, a senior police officer and a third who is privy to the details of the case —“have gone on record” to say that the Mumbai top cop is on a “witch-hunt” against Republic, she added. 

According to her, a senior MVA leader had confirmed to Republic TV that Singh’s action has caused the government major embarrassment.  

In his complaint, sub-inspector Pawar said a part of his job is to monitor social media and news networks to screen them for any potential information that can disrupt law and order, and flag these to senior police officers. 

His statement quotes certain lines from the news report such as “Param Bir Singh is hell bent on tarnishing the image single handedly tarnishing the image of the Mumbai Police” and “there is now a rebellion of swords brewing from his subordinates (sic)”.

Mumbai Police vs Republic TV

Republic TV is owned and managed by ARG Outlier Media Asianet News Private Limited, which is a subsidiary company of SARG Media Holding Private Limited, of which Arnab and his wife Samyabrata Goswami are co-founders and promoters, and own 93 per cent of the shares.

Goswami and his channel have had repeated run-ins with Mumbai Police over its reportage in the last several months. 

In April, Mumbai Police questioned Goswami after he was booked for making allegedly defamatory statements about interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi while discussing the Palghar lynching case. The same month, two youth Congress workers were also held for allegedly attacking Goswami while he was on his way home.

In June, Mumbai Police summoned Goswami for another round of interrogation when a complaint was filed against him for allegedly creating communal disturbance through his TV show over a gathering of migrant workers at Mumbai’s Bandra in April, during the Covid lockdown. The complainant said Goswami, through his show, tried to spread hatred against Muslims.

Last month, the Shiv Sena asked cable operators to take down Republic TV from their networks, saying Goswami had “insulted” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and also cited the channel’s “media trial” in the Rajput probe. In its letter to cable operators, the party had criticised Republic TV for defaming the Mumbai Police Commissioner.


Also Read: BARC ‘highly disappointed’ with Republic, says network misrepresented its private email


 

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57 COMMENTS

  1. His brand of debate is despicable. The audio of opposite people is lowered compared to speakers taking his side.No one can listen to opposite views.Arnab is blot on decency in dialogue. Filthy language is used .People in streets use similar language. This nation is worshipping mediocrity , throwing intellect into garbage. No wonder we were slaves for thousand years.

  2. Arnab took enough liberty to settle his own accounts against mumbai police. Now, when their comes a backlash, he cries foul play.

  3. If any reporter is true to his job then voice out NOW for a press conference with the PM and ask questions on …GDP… JOBS… FARMERS …CHINA and all the questions which we as common citizens would like to know from the Govt whether it’s Central or State….. whether it is ruled by the popular party or otherwise….We as common citizens would like the PRESS (media or print) to be the eyes and ears to the LAW MAKERS and make CONSTRUCTIVE critisism for the NATION to take corrective measures for it move ahead…..cause the WORLD is WATCHING US.

    • Remember modi has won 307 seats in Parliament and allow him to rule 5 yrs and just shut up. Wait for 5 yrs to make any change in government democratically if u believe in it. Maharashtra government is digging her own grave and mumbai police is a pawn in their hand to do it. Shame for supporting murderers of democracy, free speech and liberty.

  4. Please observe that the MVA and many Muslim people have similar sentiments. They both ask that uncomfortable questions should not asked of them and whoever does do should be thrashed , put on third degree as they say or tortured to get them to confess for what just asking questions. But in a case where there was a loss of life, like SSR or Disha, these same people wants suspects to be released, declared innocent. This bigotry, prejudice, racism of ideologies and a definite formation of a political dictatorship of a cabal of people with an Imperialistic superiority filled mind set.
    Like the Mm ughals and Turkish hordes and their supporters like Congress, leftists like Puniyani to irfan habeeb who all say, the invader and genocidal forces were good people as they let some Indians to live abd be their slaves…talk about evil minded hypocrisy.
    It’s in full display in Maharastra.

  5. This is what the great Rajaji predicted in 1922 itself . He predicted that elections & their corruptions will destroy every institution and also justice in India .Look at the way media , with very few exceptions, has conducted itself most grotesquely and tendentiously in movie style where somebody is shown as an impeccable character & somebody else as an epitome of all vices . The fourth pillar of democracy seems to have corroded fully and if this continues may collapse to the detriment of India’s democracy

  6. There are many important things to attend for the Police Department. Going to court is waste of time, energy and money. Also may be in future to answer all these and defend will demoralise the dept.

  7. This is not a journalism, it’s a media trail, which is not acceptable,we have a court of law for trails and injustice,jai hind.

  8. Dear,all
    Just think it,its a journalism,what a words they use on air,ours generations only learn a hate against our society,for a injustice we have a court of law,our law will take care of trails, not any media trail, stop all this media trails.
    JAI HIND.

  9. Were Republic TV sincerely convinced within themselves that they ever acted freely with responsibility of placing truth before subscribers to their channel? They may find it hard to answer this honestly.

  10. One thing we need to agree… This man Arnab Goswami has got 3 times more courage than all the other media outlets, Shiv sena and mumbai police… Maharashtra’s govt is shit scared of Arnab Goswami….The other media outlets should now be prepared to face the similar music in their respective fields…let’s make it a tradition now… #harassjournalist

  11. Arnab Goswami is a brand of his own right. His style and signature lines like ‘ the nation wants to know’ are prime time titles in a channel. However, he is being targetted today for being true and original. The people of India love him and will be with him. Arnab going ‘out of air’ is like taking away the life off media.

    • People of India…so u consider urself as people of India.. so sorry he will be in jail like many other innocent whom he sent to jail…

    • What a shame… Economy in garbage … Indians don’t have spine to take upon enemies.. When it’s Pakistan they shout because it’s small and insignificant neighbour when it comes to gaint like china then they turn their backs to vulnerable soft spots like Bollywood heros and heroins

  12. Arnab is the kingpin of instigating hate and dividing the people on religious lines. Mumbai police should unearth more gems from the archives of Republic TV. They have spewed enough venom in the past to find more grounds of prosecution. The society can be better off with less of such journalism and journalists.

  13. Let courts decide on what can be said and done by whom. SSR Matter is already subjudice. Court should expand the scope and provide guidelines on media reporting so that guidelines are clarified once and for all.

    In the meanwhile both sides should keep calm and attend to more important matters at hand

  14. Registration of FIR against Repulic TV Editors is unwanted and step towards encroachment on Freedom of media & Press. It is high time when greater freedom of Press is required. . Maharashtra Government must have acted with restraints and now Chief Minister should order for cancellation of FIR.
    The presentation of any subject at Republic may be debatable . .It must be guided by Ministry of Information & broadcasting to improve . .
    The worst part with Indian Bureaucracy is that it does not want to be questionable for its conduct & behaviour. .
    Ministry of Home affairs, govt of India must step in & resolve the issue as it is a seriuos matter and shall have deep implications in the coming times . A war between two pillars of Democracy i.e, Bureaucracy & Media may be threat to democracy.

  15. It took years for our Mother India to get her freedom back from the clutches of the colonists, her soil was soaked with the blood of the selfless martyrs who sacrificed their lives so that their mother could regain her dignity, it took years for the wounds to heal which one now doubts whether they actually have, however the biggest lie that we as Indians are exposed to is India is a democracy.
    Unfortunately it is not, it is a Dictatorship where powers are vested in the hands of the corrupt, egoistic power crazy goons who in the name of law are devouring the peace integrity and freedom of our motherland.
    Our hearts weep for our country and our brethren who are going through this turmoil day in and day out of our lives.
    What future do our children have in this chaotic state of petty brawls and power games?
    Time to rise above all the differences and take action before we slip slowly into the darkest era of our lives

  16. Mumbai police represent all that a police force should not be. I don’t think I could ever live in a city like Mumbai where the govt and the Mumbai police behave like underworld mafia. Mumbai police has lot to learn from Delhi police which is far more civilised force. Even the Delhi govt is way more civilised and then Maha govt. . Hats off to people who live in Mumbai.

    • Delhi police, civilised? Oh my God, this is an unbearable and a blatant lie. Delhi government has always been complaining about this police since it came to power last and also before that. How can be one so “na beena” by wisdom. I wish you had said a word or two about the atrocious nature of the UP police too, which had been extremely “civilised” to burn the Hathras rape victim using petrol in the dead hours of night, which I am sure is the first ever instance in the Indian police history ever.

  17. it’s total miss use of power and politics. politically motivation to fix a channel and media house it’s really shame part on other media houses being silent.

    • What you sow so shall you reap nothing is wrong on the part of and police investigation as far as this is concerned media has been doing and all that is back even before the word become and even in the mid of investigation so people are aware of this act and do you watching this drama since last all of us but it is now at its end and the days are number for this media feed and what not I don’t have word to describe the immorality of media

  18. Mumbai police and maharashtra govt is setting a bad precedent. Tomorrow every state govt and police will start doing this. Whether you like someone or not a prudent approach is required in public discourse. No one is talking about FIR registered by Mumbai police against India today but are talking about what police commissioner said in a press conference. Such a blatant twisting of facts by other media is surprising.

  19. It’s game over for Arnab Goswami…he has brought his profession to disrepute…his editorial team will suffer for contributing to his sadistic pleasures. He and the likes of him have caused huge damage to the social fabric and economic health of the country by not only supporting but also encouraging the unwise policies of the govt.

  20. Most of the Indians watch the Republic News all the time for the honesty and integrity of Arnab Goswami and his team. It is unfortunate that the State Government is acting like a dictatorship manner. I hope the Judiciary must interfere in this matter and save the independent media.

  21. not that Arnab is a saint ,his very own journalism is a sham and he calling himself a journalist is a shame.But to now file FIR by COP exposes his utter incompetence and lack of ethics

  22. Hello sir I want to know what did kapil sibal said to court in trp scam case …….and y din tu publish the story if Arnab Goswami getting a notice at 2.51 pm and telling him to appear before. Maharashtra assembly speaker at 3.clock …… And will u reveal ur sources of the police asks u so ….pls reply

  23. Mr. Parambir Singh would surely not get away with this. The MVA may not even complete its 5-year term. He would do well to remember that he is digging his own grave.
    More power to Arnab, Republic TV and their disgusting brand of journalism.

  24. Other media outlets – be very careful before you rejoice. This sets a precedence. The same rule can apply to NDTV and others when they criticize UP or Bengal police. Not a good sign.

  25. Fascist Oligarchs and their sincere equally Facist sycophants have always failed. History has shown that Fidel Castro ,Che Geuvera, Pol Pot to Mao Tse Tung were all narcissistic individuals who were instrumental in the premature torture and deaths of millions of their fellow country men. Their deeds have resulted in their countries cloaked in a blanket of poverty ,intrigue and disappearnces for decades silently to a lullaby of a smothered press. Now today in the fag end of 2020, the Indian version of all the heroes mention d are dancing a macarbe dance of fascist Tango to the tune of silent music of a seemingly teeming democracy and an upright judiciary each waiting silently to find out who will bell the cat.

  26. Arnab Cowswami should be taken into custody and interrogated to get at the bottom of the TRP scandal. If doesn’t co-operate third degree method should be tried. His latest attempt to incite Mumbai police staff against the Police chief can cause indecipline in the department and can huge law and order problem in the state that might include terrorist attack. This is clearly an anti national activity. Mumbai Police should immediately charge the owners and chief executive and editor under UPAA which can keep them in jail for atleast s year without showing any reason.

    • Mr. Deb by talking all this tell me who is fascist. You people are so blinded. The other thing is that the law is UAPA. First people like you should be booked.

    • Arnab is the best journalist in India and he is being targeted by Mumbai police commissioner as a personal vendetta..the whole India is with arnab and Republic TV and the president of India should interfere with the autocratic government of Maharashtra state

  27. It seems that this is going too far. The Republican channel has to restrain itself, modify its style of functioning, focus on real issues, avoid unwarranted sensationalism and lower the high decibel shouting being carried out in its studio. The quality of its content is sickeningly poor. While all this may be true, there was no need for the Mumbai police to go after the erratic media. The government and its agencies should not act against the media. This is against democratic principles. It is only the viewers , i.e, the people of the country that can punish the media for its bad contents. But by acting in this manner, the Maharashtra government is according undue importance to a poor quality channel and thereby unduly enhancing its TRP and popularity, Sharad Pawar is an experienced and shrewd politician. He would easily grasp the negative impact of this unworthy episode. Better that the issue is resolved amicably with moderation and the channel be persuaded to shift its studios outside Maharashtra.

    • Does Aghadi govt understand democratic principles? Arnab has invited their wrath because he is the only journalist who raises the issue of Sushant Singh case. The govt managed quieten the other guys but Arnab continues to do so. I don’t know if Mumbaikars have noticed the minute Sushant is mentioned they get hyper and very aggressive. Arnab is raising our concerns regarding Sushant Singh’s murder. He is the only journalist who is being the voice of the people and paying a huge price

      • So it is alright for anchors like Arnab to post the most blatant lies and pass wrong judgement on the Mumbai police and Rhea when now it is clear that the Mumbai police was doing the right job of investigating and SST case is a sucicide case n not murder as Arnab was trying to twist it for sake of people like yourself who get sadistic pleasure from such sort of demented journalism. More n more people should file cases against journalists like Arnab so that …….

  28. Republic TV is a tamasha. Arnab Goswami is a rabid rabble-rouser, not a journalist … his TV shows feature nothing more than loud noisemaking.

    • Arnab is purely employee of NDA & Company government.

      When I Shaw Republic Bharat I missed my Childhood days when “Madari Shows” the Monkey show in street.

      If you are feeling boring just see the drama channel Republic Bharat in FOC.

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