Madhya Pradesh journalist killed: MP recommends CBI probe; NHRC notices for chief secy, DGP

Sharma had exposed illegal mining and had even sought police protection after getting threats in the wake of a sting operation against a senior police officer.

Madhya Pradesh CM orders CBI probe into death of journalist Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Sharma, 36, was a stringer at Bhopal-based News World TV channel.

A day after Sandeep Sharma, a local television channel stringer, was run over by a truck in Bhind, the Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday recommended a CBI probe into the matter. Sharma had exposed illegal mining and had even sought police protection after getting threats in the wake of a sting operation against a senior police officer.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recommended the probe on Tuesday after Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ajay Singh had demanded an investigation by a central agency on Monday.

A special investigation team (SIT) was also formed on Monday. Also, Chouhan had said that his government was committed to protecting journalists. Taking suo motu cognizance of media coverage, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the chief secretary and the director general of police and asked for a detailed report within four weeks.

The commission observed that news coverage points towards negligence on part of the administration, especially the police authorities, who failed to save a human life. “The tragic death of the journalist is indicative of violation of human rights as well as democratic rights,’’ the commission said. It added that the state administration was callous in not taking appropriate steps to save Sharma when he had complained about threat to his life.

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Watch video: Madhya Pradesh journalist who did sting-op run over, police say accident

“Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers,’” the commission said.

Notice issued to Bihar govt

The NHRC also issued a notice to the government of Bihar over the death of two journalists. Naveen, a journalist working with a Hindi daily, and his friend Vijay Singh were allegedly crushed to death on March 25 when an SUV rammed into their bike in Bihar’s Bhojpur district on Sunday night. However, the family of one of the journalists alleged that it was a case of murder and a former village head was behind it.

The commission stressed that freedom of speech and expression is essential for political liberty and proper functioning of democracy. It has sought a detailed report on the matter within four weeks.

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