According to the editorial, Kharat was arrested and booked in two cases: one for allegedly making casteist remarks against Shekhar Patole, an aide of Gore, and another for conspiring to defame Gore by raising sexual assault allegations and demanding money. Saamana questioned whether Maharashtra was under an undeclared Emergency, alleging media censorship and political misuse of law enforcement.

The editorial further criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging that his administration was shielding ministers accused of misconduct. It suggested that instead of addressing allegations, Gore misused his power to have Kharat arrested and implicated in multiple cases to keep him in jail. The paper demanded accountability from Fadnavis in the state legislature and questioned whether Maharashtra was becoming a state where truth-telling journalists were silenced.

Saamana highlighted Maharashtra’s legacy of fearless journalism and expressed concern that Kharat’s arrest marked a departure from democratic values. It called upon political leaders and citizens to oppose such actions and uphold press freedom. The editorial also referenced past instances of police misuse and drew parallels with other controversial political arrests, calling for a robust opposition response.

The arrest has sparked widespread debate, with press freedom advocates arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent. The case continues to draw attention, with demands for Kharat’s release intensifying amid growing concerns over the suppression of journalistic integrity in Maharashtra.