Asad Rizvi 
Uttar Pradesh has witnessed two brutal attacks against journalists, sparking outrage and raising concerns over press freedom and safety in India’s most populous state. On the intervening night of October 30-31, a journalist was murdered in Fatehpur district, and on October 27, two journalists from Hamirpur district were allegedly stripped, beaten and humiliated by a panchayat chairman and his henchmen. These incidents have fuelled a strong response from media organisations and journalists, who are demanding urgent action to ensure their safety.
Two local journalists from Hamirpur, Amit Dwivedi and Shailendra Kumar Mishra, filed a complaint alleging they were violently assaulted by Sarila Nagar Panchayat chairman Pawan Anuragi and his henchmen. According to their complaint, Anuragi’s men not only beat them but also disrobed them at gunpoint, recorded humiliating videos and even forced them to drink urine.
Dwivedi and Mishra reported the incident to Jariya police station, claiming they were held captive and subjected to severe humiliation. The journalists allege that they were summoned to the Jariya bus stand around 6:20 pm on October 27 by a man named Gangaprasad alias Babu, who had requested a meeting on behalf of Anuragi. Upon their arrival, they were reportedly led to a room in the house of one Akash, where they were confronted by Anuragi and several henchmen, including Akhilesh Rajput, Vikram Yadav, RK. Soni, Akash Anuragi, and Narendra Vishwakarma.
Inside the room, the situation escalated as the chairman’s men allegedly switched off the lights and began to physically assault them. The journalists further claimed they were stripped, threatened with death and coerced into handling weapons for staged photos and videos. During the assault, their phones were confiscated, and they were warned that if they reported the incident, both they and their families would face severe consequences.
Following the journalists’ complaint, a case was registered against Anuragi and his henchmen under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including charges of rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation.
However, in a controversial turn of events, the police also filed a counter-complaint against both journalists, alleging house trespass, intentional insult and criminal intimidation under BNS, as well as charges under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The move has led to concerns about a possible attempt to intimidate the journalists or weaken the case against the chairman.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Manoj Kumar Gupta stated that the police are actively investigating the complaint lodged by the journalists and are in contact with journalist unions. Gupta added that the police have conducted raids to apprehend the suspects but have yet to make any arrests. The police have reassured the journalists and media associations of an impartial investigation and prompt action.
Despite assurances from the police, Dwivedi and Mishra claim that law enforcement is acting under pressure from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They also say that chairman Anuragi is from the ruling saffron party. According to the journalists, while there is video evidence of the incident, the police have registered a weak case against the chairman, allegedly under pressure from influential political leaders. “Police have registered a frivolous case against us in stringent sections, aiming to pressure us into withdrawing our complaint,” they alleged.
This incident in Hamirpur is not an isolated one. Just days earlier, on October 30-31, a journalist named Dilip Saini was murdered in Fatehpur district. Saini, who worked for a news agency, was killed in what police initially described as a property dispute with financial undertones. An FIR was filed, and five suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. However, four suspects remain at large. According to ASP Vijay Shanker Mishra, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The recent attacks have been viewed as part of a worrying trend, with Uttar Pradesh seeing increasing violence against journalists. The Uttar Pradesh Accredited Correspondent Committee (UPACC) condemned these incidents, with association president Hemant Tiwari calling for immediate action against the accused. “These attacks create an atmosphere of hostility toward journalists and undermine the government’s claims of zero tolerance toward crime,” Tiwari said. He added that he had raised the matter with senior state officials, emphasising the need for swift and decisive action.
Veteran journalists and press associations argue that the state’s response to these incidents is crucial for maintaining press freedom. Former editor of a Hindi daily, Kumar Bhawesh Chandra noted that many journalists, particularly those in smaller towns and rural areas, face threats from influential political and criminal figures. “The government must prioritise the safety and security of journalists, as these attacks are a direct challenge to freedom of expression,” Chandra stated. He further urged chief minister Yogi Adityanath to take personal responsibility for ensuring a secure environment for journalists in the state.
Hemant Tiwari of the UPACC remarked that “any laxity in handling these cases could imply government complicity in the crimes against journalists.” He said that the attacks have left many journalists feeling vulnerable and worried about their safety. “If the government fails to act decisively, it will erode public trust in the state’s commitment to law and order,” Tiwari said.
These incidents come amid increasing concerns over press freedom in India. According to the 2024 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, India ranks 159th out of 180 countries. The country’s low ranking reflects growing pressures on journalists, particularly those covering critical or sensitive topics.
Journalists’ associations and press freedom advocates argue that targeted attacks, intimidation and the misuse of legal provisions against journalists have worsened the climate for media in India. The recent incidents in Uttar Pradesh underscore this growing threat and have led many journalists to call for stronger protection.
Chandra further said that the state government needs to take visible action, not only to punish the perpetrators but also to send a strong message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated.