Press Council of India chairman Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad today sought a report from Chattisgarh Chief Secretary and DGP over the arrest of journalist Prabhat Singh in the state, observing the action prima-facie impinged on freedom of the press.
He also expressed grave concern over the arrest by Chhattisgarh police for allegedly possessing an "obscene message" about a senior police officer on WhatsApp social networking group.
"The Chairman felt that prima facie, the action of the Chhattisgarh police to arrest the journalist impinged on the freedom of the press.
"Taking suo-motu cognizance of the issue, the Chairman ordered to immediately call a report on facts of the case from the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh and Superintendent of Police, Bastar," a Press Council statement said.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to Chhattisgarh government over "arrest and torture" of a journalist in Bastar by the police for allegedly posting objectionable comments on social media.
The Dantewada-based journalist was arrested in Jagdalpur on March 21 for allegedly posting an "obscene message" about a senior police officer on WhatsApp groups.
