The assault has intensified the debate over the growing challenges faced by journalists in Uttar Pradesh
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a disturbing incident, two journalists were reportedly assaulted in the Uttar Pradesh city of Ghaziabad for questioning the conduct of the local police.
The incident has sparked concerns over press freedom, police accountability, and journalists’ safety. Such attacks hinder the critical role of the media in upholding transparency and democracy.
According to local and media sources, the journalists were engaged in investigative reporting, probing local police practices and allegations of misconduct. After questioning police officials on specific issues, the journalists were allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault by certain police personnel.
Media and civil society groups were quick to react to the attack targeting journalists Shakti Singh and Rohit Singh. They were reportedly openly questioning the local police’s actions and approach in recent days.
CCTV footage of the assault has surfaced, and the journalists claim that there was collusion between the assailants and local police authorities.
The journalists sustained injuries and had to seek medical attention. Following the incident, several journalist associations and advocacy groups condemned the attack and demanded a transparent investigation.
The assault has intensified the debate over the growing challenges faced by journalists in Uttar Pradesh.
In recent times, reporters in districts like Fatehpur, Hamirpur, Banda, Kanpur Dehat, and Kanpur Nagar have expressed frustration over alleged attempts to silence their voices. Many claim that police and administrative forces are undermining the press and limiting their ability to report freely.
Leading media houses and journalist unions condemned the assault, calling it an attack on press freedom. The Press Club of India issued a statement urging the government to take immediate action against the responsible officers and ensure journalists’ safety in performing their duties.
Several human rights organisations and activists have called for stricter measures to ensure the protection of journalists. Social media platforms witnessed a widespread discussion, with #ProtectJournalists trending briefly after the news broke.
This incident underscores a troubling trend of increasing hostility toward journalists in India, particularly those covering sensitive issues like law enforcement practices and corruption. Assaults and intimidation attempts raise questions about transparency in policing and the local government’s commitment to protecting press freedom.
The assault on the two journalists in Ghaziabad is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern affecting the free press. For a democratic society, the press must operate without fear of violence or retribution.
Also read: UP: Two Journalists Stripped, Beaten Up and Made to Drink Urine for Exposing Corruption
