‘Failure to comply…liable for arrest’: Senior journalists Siddharth Varadarajan, Karan Thapar summoned in sedition case

Guwahati: Senior journalists Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar have been summoned by the Crime Branch of Guwahati Police in connection with a sedition case, as per official notices issued to them.

Both journalists have been directed to appear before the authorities on August 22. The notices states, "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."

While the police have not disclosed specific details regarding the case, repeated attempts to contact senior police officials for clarification went unanswered.

Varadarajan reportedly received his notice on August 14, while Thapar received his on Monday. The summons also included a warning, "Failure to attend/comply with the terms of this notice can render you liable for arrest."

The summonses were issued by Inspector Soumarjyoti Ray of the Crime Branch, citing FIR No. 03/2025, registered under Sections 152, 196, 197(1)(D)/3(6), 353, 45, and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Section 152 of the BNS pertains to acts threatening the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, and replaces the now-suspended Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which the Supreme Court had placed in abeyance in May 2022.

Further details about the nature of the investigation or the journalists’ alleged involvement remain undisclosed as of now.

PTI