A 32-year-old journalist working with a Hindi newspaper in Jharkhand was beaten to death in Chatra district of the state for allegedly exposing irregularities in the government scheme, Hindustan Times reported quoting police officials.
The incident took place on Monday, 29 October, when Chandan Tiwari who was working with Hindi daily, Aaj, was allegedly abducted and beaten to death by unknown assailants, the report added.
He was founded critically wounded from Baltharwa forest and was later referred to Simaria Referral Hospital where he was declared brought dead.
‘I Fear For My Life’
According to a written information assessed by Hindustan Times, Tiwari in April this year had informed the local police that he had received threats to his life.
Tiwari claimed that following an exposure in irregularities in the PM Awas Yojana, he was threatened by Mahesh Dangi, husband of the village head.
The written information to the police on 6 April reads:
“I have been threatened with dire consequences by Mahesh Dangi, husband of local Mukhiya. I fear the threat from Mahesh, Md Serajul and a para teacher Devaki Dangi.”
SIT to Probe Murder
Speaking to the national daily on Tuesday, 30 October, Chatra district Superintendent of Police (SP) Akhilesh B Verior, said that a special investigation team (SIT) would probe his murder.
This is the second incident where a journalist was killed in Chatra, Jharkhand.
In 2016, a television journalist, Indradev Yadav was shot dead in the Chatra town. Following the investigation, it was revealed that a faction of moaists from the area were involved in the murder.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)