New Delhi, May 16 (PTI) Media bodies on Friday expressed concern over the arrest of Gujarat Samachar owner Bahubali Shah by the Enforcement Directorate.

The Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association, Delhi Union of Journalists, Kerala Union of Working Journalists, and Working News Cameramen's Association said the ED action "reflects a troubling assault on press freedom and democratic values that uphold the right to free expression in India."

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They said the arrest of Shah raises questions about the misuse of state machinery to muzzle media houses and suppress dissenting voices.

"We also call for the immediate release of the owner unless credible evidence is presented in a transparent manner," the media bodies said in a joint statement.

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Shah, arrested on Thursday, was granted bail on health grounds till May 31 by a Gujarat court.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)