UCA News
Contribute

Rights monitor calls for probe after Indian journalist burnt alive

Jagendra Singh attacked, set on fire after publishing article containing allegations against a local minister
Rights monitor calls for probe after Indian journalist burnt alive
Published: June 11, 2015 04:11 AM GMT
Updated: June 10, 2015 05:11 PM GMT

Amnesty International called Wednesday for an investigation into the killing of a journalist in northern India who had accused a local politician of being involved in land grabs and corruption. 

Jagendra Singh, a freelance journalist, died on Monday, a week after he was set alight in Uttar Pradesh state shortly after publishing an article and posting allegations on Facebook against local minister Ram Murti Singh Verma.

The victim's family allege Verma and a group of policemen raided Singh's home, beat him up and then doused the 42-year-old with petrol and set him alight.  

Rights group Amnesty urged the Uttar Pradesh government to initiate an independent investigation in order to bring the attackers to justice.

"This horrific attack highlights the dangers that journalists can face in doing their jobs," Shemeer Babu, programmes director of Amnesty International India said in a statement. 

While police have opened a case against Verma and five others in connection with the murder, no arrests have yet been made.

"We have booked the minister for murder and criminal conspiracy and the investigations are on," Vijay Singh Meena, a senior state police official, said.

The Press Council of India (PCI) also called for a special investigation Wednesday, saying the incident was "an attack on freedom of press".

India is one of the most restrictive countries for the press, ranked 136 out of 180 nations, according to Paris-based Reporters without Borders.

Journalists in the world's largest democracy often face harassment and intimidation by police, politicians and bureaucrats, while scores work in hostile conditions in the many conflict-ridden pockets of the country. AFP

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia