Swift and sharp reactions have come in for 'human rights' activists' arrest. The criticism and protests emanate from a swathe of organisations — pan India and Mumbai centric. From statements in the social media to a press conference stating that the country is heading towards a perilous, emergency like situation, those opposed to the arrests of five activists are keeping up a steady drumbeat against the government's attempts to stifle dissent and spread fear.

The outraged, many at a mammoth conference reported on this paper, said the arrests are to divert attention from the gravity of the Sanatan Sanstha conspiracy and the authorities were roundly smashed for not taking action against the Sanatan assassins. Arrests have been carried out to give cover to the murderers of Gauri Lankesh, said one statement signed by 'intellectuals'.