Journalist and his wife attempt suicide being 'harassed' for covering administrative corruption
He had written about corruption in Barkheda Nagar Panchayat of Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. He was allegedly subjected to continuous harassment for it. A reporter and his wife tried to commit suicide by ingesting poison after accusing the local administration and administrative officials of harassing them. They were both admitted to the hospital. Hospital sources say that the reporter's health is stable. His wife's health is critical.
Harassment Allegations
Police informed that the incident occurred on Thursday. The journalist and his wife recorded a video. In the video, they identified Barkheda Nagar Panchayat Chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal, contractor Moin Hossain and Bilaspur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nagendra Pandey and accused that they were continuously harassing them. Journalist Israr accused that he had just prepared a report on corruption in Barkheda Nagar Panchayat. He attempted to attract the Chief Minister's Office's notice by revealing the news on how corruption is taking place in that Nagar Panchayat and on whom such corruption is being perpetrated.
Official Responses
The journalist accused that he and his family members have been continuously threatened ever since the news was reported. Not just that, even the journalist accused that they have been involved in a false case. As the incident gained publicity, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pandey rebutted that such accusations were unsubstantiated. He added that he has instructed the Station House Officer of Barkheda police station to inquire into the matter and determine exactly what had occurred. Bilaspur Circle Officer Pratik Dahiya informed reporters that all things are being probed.
Counter-Allegation of Extortion
In return, Nagar Panchayat Chairman Bhojwal refuted the accusations leveled against him. Contractor Hussain has accused the journalist. He alleges that the journalist visited one of his building sites on 18th May. He visited there and demanded 15 thousand rupees. He threatened to publish false news if he did not provide it.
