Assam Journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar Arrested Again After Bail, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Questions His Credentials
Assam Journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar Arrested Again Amid Controversy Over His Status as a Reporter
In a controversial turn of events, Assam-based journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar was re-arrested on Thursday, just a day after being granted bail by a Guwahati court. Mozumdar, who reports for the digital media portal The CrossCurrent, was initially arrested on Tuesday while covering a protest against the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank (ACAB). The case took a political turn after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma questioned whether Mozumdar qualifies as a journalist, claiming that the state government does not officially recognize online media reporters.
Mozumdar was detained at Pan Bazar police station on Tuesday after he questioned ACAB’s managing director regarding alleged financial irregularities. He was later arrested based on a complaint by a security guard, who accused him of criminal intimidation and violating the SC/ST Act. Despite being granted bail on Wednesday, Mozumdar remained in Guwahati Central Jail throughout Thursday and was arrested again in the evening based on a fresh complaint filed by ACAB’s MD, Dombaru Saikia. The new charges accuse Mozumdar of unlawfully entering the first floor of the bank and attempting to take away documents.
His lawyer, Santanu Borthakur, confirmed that Mozumdar will be presented in court again, and they will file for bail in the new case. Meanwhile, CM Sarma, who is also a director of ACAB, remarked that multiple cases had been registered against Mozumdar and that he would be arrested in all of them. He further asserted that the journalist could seek legal recourse through bail if he wished.
The arrest has sparked an outcry among journalist bodies, who see it as an attack on press freedom. However, CM Sarma dismissed these concerns by questioning Mozumdar’s journalistic credentials. According to the Chief Minister, the Assam government only recognizes “legacy media” reporters, whereas digital news portal journalists and YouTube content creators do not have official recognition. Sarma stated that the government does not provide registration, advertisements, or ID cards to digital journalists, implying that Mozumdar does not fall under the government’s definition of a journalist.
He further alleged that Mozumdar has a dumper business and suggested that his visit to the bank might have been for personal reasons rather than journalistic work. Sarma defended the police action, stating that Mozumdar was not arrested for his reporting but for his conduct at the bank. He argued that freedom of the press applies to writing but does not cover physical actions taken in an office setting.
Following this statement, The CrossCurrent editor Arup Kalita responded by emphasizing Mozumdar’s journalistic credentials. He highlighted that Mozumdar has worked in journalism for over a decade, including stints at Assamese satellite news channel DY 365 and other media organizations before joining The CrossCurrent in 2022. Kalita also pointed out that Mozumdar is the Assistant General Secretary of the Guwahati Press Club, an elected position that affirms his status as a journalist. He dismissed the Chief Minister’s remarks, stating that the government’s denial does not erase Mozumdar’s professional background.
As the case unfolds, it raises concerns over press freedom and government control over digital journalism in Assam. Many journalists and rights groups are watching closely, fearing that this incident may set a precedent for further suppression of independent reporting.
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