Journalist killing: BJP MP Adityanath demands CBI probe

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, June 15, 2015: Demanding a CBI probe into the killing of journalist Jagendra Singh in Shahjahanpur, BJP MP Yogi Adityanath has said justice cannot be meted out to his family if the matter is probed by the state. "I demand a CBI probe into the matter as justice could not be meted to family members of the victim’s family if matter is probed by state agencies," Adityanath told reporters on sidelines of a function in Ballia on Sunday night.

Jagendra Singh was allegedly set afire by state minister Ram Murti Verma and five others on June 1, he died on June 8 during the treatment. Attacking the Samajwadi Party government on the law and order issue, Adityanath said while state minister Ram Murti Verma killed a journalist, another minister Kailash Chaurasia had beaten a transport official. "When those in government are involved in such hooliganism, the law and order can never be maintained," he added.

An FIR has been registered against, among others, the Uttar Pradesh Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, Ram Murti Verma, and Inspector (Chowk) Sri Prakash Rai in connection with the killing. The journalist is said to have invited Verma’s ire by posting reports against him on Facebook pertaining to alleged illegal mining activities and land grabbing.

Another journalist attacked in Pilibhit

Meanwhile, another journalist was allegedly attacked by a group of people in Pilibhit with four people having been booked over the incident, police said. According to Pilibhit SP JK Shahi, the journalist, Haider, has complained that he was attacked on Sunday by one Anand and his associates.

Haider, a TV journalist, has claimed that he was attacked as he had reported stories which had not gone down well with the accused. He said he had received a call asking him to come to an appointed spot in order to obtain information on a story but, when he got there, was attacked by the accused.

"Yesterday, I got a call regarding a robbery case. But when I reached the spot, Anand and 3-4 others surrounded me and started beating me up. They hit me with the butt of a revolver and also dragged me for 100m by a car," alleged Haider, who claimed he was left unconscious in the attack which took place in the Puranpur area. He said a passerby later came to his aid and reached him to Paharpur police station.

Police said the journalist has been sent for a medical examination and, as per the medical report, if there are any more sections of IPC applicable in this case, those will be added and prompt action will be taken to bring the accused to justice.

 

Courtesy: Indiatoday