Press Club of India decries West Bengal police FIR targeting Maktoob Media report
The Press Club of India condemned a West Bengal police FIR filed over a Maktoob Media post alleging discrimination against Muslim officers during Amit Shah’s visits, urging its withdrawal and protection for journalists.
On Saturday, the Press Club of India publicly denounced a First one outlet's Report lodged by West Bengal Police on September 19 concerning a Maktoob Media social-media post. The post reproduced allegations by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra that Muslim Indian Police Service and Indian Administrative Service officers were barred from meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his state visits. The FIR, filed by complainant Saurav Banerjee, claimed the content was “objectionable” and could promote enmity and disturb public peace, yet it did not name any Maktoob Media staff, labeling the accused simply as “Unknown1”. Maktoob Media said it learned of the case only after the police sought account details via platform X. The press body called the action an attack on press freedom and demanded the FIR be withdrawn so journalists can work without fear.
Why it matters
It highlights growing pressure on Indian media and raises concerns about freedom of the press.
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