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Journalism of Courage
Journalist Chandrika Rai and his family members were killed by five persons,including a neighbour and a home guard posted at the Umaria district collectorate,the police said on Friday.
Neighbour Amit Singh and home guard Vidyaniwas Tiwari were also involved in the kidnapping of Anant,the son of PWD official Hemant Jharia,earlier this month. The duo and four others were formally arrested in connection with the kidnapping and remanded in police custody till March 1.
The police claimed the journalist tried to blackmail them after the failed bid to collect ransom and this led to his murder. On the day of the murder,Rai opened the door of his office-cum-residence because he knew Singh. The attackers first killed him,followed by his wife and son who was watching TV. Rais 15-year-old daughter,who was in another room,was stabbed with scissors. A senior STF officer said that the assailants then searched Rais house and took away Rs 20,000 in cash and some valuables.
Sunil,Manish Kori,Harendra Singh and Raj were arrested for their role in the kidnapping.
Meanwhile,the Congress alleged the police probe was faulty and that the real killers,who are powerful,were being shielded.
