‘Attack on press freedom’: Doon scribe detained in pre-dawn raid

Dehradun: A local journalist was detained from his residence in the early hours of Saturday in connection with alleged property fraud cases, triggering criticism from opposition parties, which termed the action an “attack on press freedom”.

The journalist, Hem Bhatt, who works with a Dehradun-based media organisation, was allegedly picked up from his home around 4.30 am by a team of seven to eight policemen from Nehru Colony police station.

Responding to criticism over the pre-dawn action, Dehradun SP (city) Pramod Kumar said Bhatt was detained after his name surfaced during the interrogation of an accused in multiple property fraud cases in Uttarakhand. “The accused disclosed the names of several alleged accomplices during questioning. Bhatt’s name also came up, following which he was detained by a police team for questioning at Nehru Colony police station,” Kumar said.

On the timing of the detention, another police officer said the action was taken after police received information that Bhatt was allegedly planning to flee to Haldwani to evade questioning.

The incident sparked sharp reactions from Congress and other opposition parties, which alleged that the move was aimed at intimidating the media.

Congress state chief Ganesh Godiyal said, “The manner in which police reached his house at 4 am made it appear as if some extremely serious crime had taken place. Even if Bhatt had to be questioned, the police could have done it properly and at an appropriate time.”

He added, “Now. BJP MLA Arvind Pandey himself is saying that Bhatt was targeted for conducting his interview. It appears the BJP is targeting everyone whom it sees as a potential political threat in the next elections.”

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Arvind Pandey also criticised the police action. In a video message, he said, “Bhatt was assaulted in front of his wife and daughter. His only fault is that he conducted my interview. Policemen wear the uniform after taking an oath, and they should not act in a manner that brings disrepute to honest officers. Those indulging in such acts are not fit for the police department. If anything happens to Bhatt or his wife, the police department will be responsible. We will not remain silent if anything wrong happens.”