Minutes after Hindutva terrorist Rambhakt opened fire at the anti-CAA protesters in the heart of India’s national capital, Arnab Goswami’s Republic TV wasted no time in concluding that the act of terrorism was perpetrated by peaceful protesters in the Jamia area. Its headline right underneath the pistol-wielding terrorist Rambhakt screamed, “Jamia Protester Uses Gun.” Another caption used by Republic TV read, “Protester Turns Violent.”
The video broadcast along with the visuals of Rambhakt showed one of Goswami’s colleagues screaming as he demanded an explanation from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The man holding Republic TV’s mic shouted breathlessly, “Will they brandish illegal weapons on the streets of the national capital of India? It cannot be allowed and it should not be allowed. In this democracy, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal should answer. How they are supporting (terrorist)? Under which condition are they supporting this kind of violent people? Because in the name of CAA this is happening.”
As expected, Republic TV jumped the gun and concluded that the man wielding a pistol was one of the anti-CAA protesters. In reality, he was a Hindutva terrorist, who had come prepared to carry out large-scale carnage. Rambhakt had appeared on Facebook Live just like last year’s Christchurch terrorist did before killing nearly 50 Muslim worshippers.
Arnab Goswami, still wonder why people are questioning you and your channel? pic.twitter.com/582Iy2xeeD
— Ravi Nair (@t_d_h_nair) January 30, 2020
Angry Twitterati have trended #RepublicTvIsWithGodse on Twitter since the act of terrorism coincided with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this day in 1948, India’s first Hindutva terrorist Nathuram Godse had killed Mahatma Gandhi.
Republic TV has clearly made a statement today. It stands with “Godse” of current India.
What action will be taken against Republic for spreading fake news and venom? #RepublicTvIsWithGodse pic.twitter.com/fm5TB6jCGJ
— Nihal Kirnalli (@NihalKirnalli) January 30, 2020
It’s appalling to see the insensitive, unethical reportage of this shocking incident of violence against innocent students by @republic. We urge the concerned media to take a stand in this time of crisis. #Jamia #ShaheenBaghProtests #republictviswithgodse
— Shaheen Bagh Official (@Shaheenbaghoff1) January 30, 2020
Tell me one reason what was wrong in @kunalkamra88 heckling Arnab on the plane?#RepublicTvIsWithGodse pic.twitter.com/RUQW1AOD2Z
— Abjal Mahmud (@AbjalMahmud) January 30, 2020
How long will India tolerate? #RepublicTvIsWithGodse #ArnabGoswamiNaziEnabler
Shame on @republic!!!!! pic.twitter.com/p131SzUu6O
— Prakhar ‘Sports Nut’ Sachdeo (@simplyparu) January 30, 2020
Rambhakt fired at a Jamia student, identified as Shadab in the presence of Delhi Police personnel, who remained mute spectators and took the terrorist into safe custody only after he had attacked his target.
Reacting to the questionable coverage of Republic TV, many wondered if comedian Kunal Kamra was right in ambushing Goswami mid-air.