NHRC Issues Notice to State Govt Over Killing of Journalist by Sand Mafias

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a journalist was allegedly killed by sand mafias in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh on June 19.

The Commission said that "The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a journalist was allegedly killed by sand mafias in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh on the 19th June, 2020. Reportedly, the victim Shubham Tripathy was working as a correspondent with a Hindi Daily, Kampu Mail. He had been reporting about illegal sand mining in the district & had apprehended threat to his life from them. Reportedly, his opponents had also lodged a complaint against him with the District Magistrate".

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Govt of UP through its Chief Secretary & the Director General of Police calling for a detailed report in the matter. The UP Govt has also been ordered to get an impartial enquiry into the matter by an independent agency, preferably the State CB CID & to ensure safety of the family of the victim & the witnesses in the matter, NHRC said.

The call details & other forensic evidences gathered during inquiry to be preserved as the Commission might call them during consideration of the case. The response is expected, within 4 weeks.

The Commission has observed that the news report has mentioned that in many cases the media persons have been targeted by the anti-social elements & in most of the cases no action against the culprits has been taken by the police authorities.

NHRC said that in the democratic system of Govt, the media is considered as its fourth pillar which can't be allowed to be victimised by the anti social elements in such a cruel manner.

It is the duty of the state to provide adequate safety & security to the media persons who in the public interest, keep taking great risks to highlight the illegal activities prevailing in the society. The death of Shubham Tripathy in this case is a matter of concern for the Commission & also an issue involving violation of human rights, said NHRC.

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