Journalist Arrest Sparks Debate on Audio Leak

Journalist Prashant Koratkar has been remanded in police custody in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, till March 28 for allegedly making derogatory comments about historical figures. A case was filed based on a leaked audio recording, leading to widespread backlash. Koratkar claims his phone was compromised and denies the charges.

In a significant legal development, a Kolhapur court has ordered the police custody of journalist Prashant Koratkar, accused of making derogatory remarks in an audio recording about historical figures Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji. The arrest follows a case filed earlier this year.

Prashant Koratkar, apprehended in Telangana, has been embroiled in controversy since an audio conversation with historian Indrajeet Sawant surfaced on social media, causing public uproar. The ensuing FIR charges Koratkar under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly inciting hatred between groups.

Amid high security, Koratkar faced the court after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected. His defense claims data manipulation and offered a public apology. The court, however, emphasized the need for further investigation into why he formatted his phone data and potential accomplices during his time evading authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)