Indian anchor Arnab Goswami arrested in suicide case: report

ISLAMABAD: India’s controversial news anchor Arnab Goswami has been arrested in connection with an abetment to suicide case, local media reported.

He was being investigated for his alleged role in the death of an architect who designed his Republic TV studio, BBC reported.

Anvay Naik took his life in 2018 and his wife accused Mr Goswami of not paying his fee.

Mr Goswami and Republic TV network deny the allegation.

Naik and his mother were found dead in May 2018 at their home in Alibaug region of the western state of Maharashtra. Mr Naik’s wife said he left a suicide note in which he blamed Mr Goswami for his death.

She has been campaigning on social media for the case to be investigated thoroughly.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh recently ordered a special team to investigate the case.

A police team arrested Mr Goswami from his home in Mumbai on Wednesday. Visuals showed scuffles taking place between Mr Goswami and the police team.

Republic TV has accused the police of “manhandling” Mr Goswami’s family members – police are yet to comment on the allegations.

Goswami is known for his aggressive style of anchoring and questioning. But his critics say that he often comes across as sympathetic to right-wing politics in the country.

He has been particularly critical of Mumbai police over their handling of the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. He often accused Mumbai police of being lenient in their investigation into the star’s death.

Republic TV says that Mr Goswami has been targeted over his journalism.

Many on social media, even those who do not like his brand of journalism, have questioned the manner in which the police arrested him.