The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a disturbing incident in Odisha where a TV journalist was reportedly assaulted in Balangir district.
The journalist was allegedly attacked by a group of people while reporting on corruption at a construction site in Kulthipali village on May 25.
According to media reports, the perpetrators bound the journalist’s hands and legs, paraded him through the village, and later tied him to a pole before brutally assaulting him. His equipment, including mobile phones and a video camera, was also destroyed. The attackers allegedly warned him against reporting the incident.
The NHRC observed that if the news reports are accurate, this constitutes a serious violation of human rights. The commission has issued a notice to Odisha’s Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report within two weeks.
The case has raised concerns about press freedom in India, with journalists facing intimidation and violence while performing their duty. As investigations progress, media watchdogs and rights organisations continue to call for stronger protections for journalists in the country.
