Guwahati Police summon journalists Varadarajan and Thapar in sedition case

Guwahati Police has summoned senior journalists Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar in a sedition case. The two have been directed to appear before the Crime Branch on August 22.

According to the summons, “It is revealed that there are reasonable grounds to question you to ascertain the facts and circumstances from you, in relation to the present investigation.” It further said, “Failure to attend/comply with the terms of this notice can render you liable for arrest.”

The Press Club of India (PCI) and the Indian Women’s Press Corps have criticised the move, questioning the grounds of the FIR filed against the journalists. Both organisations pointed out that this is the second such case against the news portal in two months. They alleged that the police action appeared “vindictive” and was aimed at targeting journalists through the Guwahati Crime Branch.