Chhattisgarh journalists protest police inaction after attack on Reporter

Journalists in Chhattisgarh’s Kawardha district took to the streets on Saturday to protest alleged police inaction and misuse of law following an attack on a fellow reporter. The demonstration at Shaheed Chowk saw local journalists expressing concern that attempts were being made to intimidate the press and undermine freedom of reporting.

The protest came after an incident on Friday night when local reporter Sanjay Yadav was allegedly assaulted while covering activities at a privately run water plant in Chirpani. Yadav and his colleague claimed that the plant’s staff not only attacked them but also snatched their mobile phones. Despite this, journalists allege that police registered a case against Yadav instead of acting against the accused.

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“This is an attack on press freedom,” said local journalist Tahir Khan. “Instead of safeguarding journalists, the police appear to be protecting influential individuals.”

Raipur Press Club president Prafull Thakur strongly condemned the developments, calling them “a blatant misuse of authority.”

He remarked, “A journalist carrying out his professional duty has been targeted, and the police action raises serious questions. Chhattisgarh has a journalist protection law, but the very spirit of this legislation is being undermined.”

Police officials, however, maintained that the matter was under investigation. “FIRs have been registered by both parties. An impartial inquiry is underway, and action will follow based on evidence,” Kawardha Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh told The Statesman.