Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 28 May: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met senior journalist Hem Bhatt and his family at the CM’s camp office here today. During the meeting, Bhatt apprised the CM of various aspects related to his case. The meeting, which lasted for nearly half an hour, was held in a cordial atmosphere, during which Bhatt firmly presented his points and sought justice.
Dhami listened to the matter with seriousness and directed police officials to ensure impartial and just action. He assured that appropriate steps would be taken on the basis of facts to secure justice for the journalist. During the discussion, the CM also spoke to STF SSP Ajai Singh over the phone and issued necessary instructions, reiterating that Hem Bhatt would get justice.
Following the meeting, Bhatt, accompanied by his family, proceeded to Khatima as per his prior schedule. He later remarked that the conversation with the CM had been conducted in a friendly environment and that his family now has renewed hope of justice. On the occasion, Director General, Information, Banshidhar Tiwari was also present.
It may be recalled that journalist Hem Bhatt, who has worked with several news channels and newspapers, was picked up by the Police from his house early morning at 4 a.m. on 23 May for interrogation regarding suspected links with land mafia operator Pradeep Saklani, who had been arrested earlier. However, after a long interrogation that lasted over 12 hours, the police chose to release him as it was reportedly unable to establish any link of Bhat with Saklani and also in view of the fact that the news of Bhatt’s arrest had gone viral on social media and the incident was strongly criticised by media persons. Garhwal Post also covered in details the news for 3 days. Later, the police unofficially claimed that it was a case of mistaken identity though no official statement was issued in this regard.
Several delegations of the media persons had also called on DG Information as well as DM Dehradun to register a protest against the treatment meted out to Bhatt and had demanded justice for him. DG, Information, Banshidhar Tiwari had assured justice for Bhatt and a meeting was today held between the CM and Bhatt family in the presence of Tiwari.
