Condemning the killing of Uttar Pradesh journalist Jagendra Singh, the Kolkata Press Club has demanded “protection” for Mr Singh’s family.
Anindya Sengupta, the Secretary of one of the oldest press clubs of the subcontinent, has also asked for ‘a clean probe’ and immediate relief to the family of the well-known freelance journalist.
“As political sources are at play, the Akhilesh Yadav Government should initiate an impartial inquiry into this case. An example should be set by taking strict action against the members of the ruling party and other people who were involved in the death of Jagendra. The (Kolkata) Press Club seriously condemns this horrific incidence,” said Mr Sengupta.
A few weeks back, Jagendra Singh – who used to work with a Hindi daily in Lucknow – was burnt alive in his house after a few men barged in and interrogated him about the posts that he had made on social media.
In his posts, Mr Singh had accused the State’s Dairy Minister Ram Murti Singh Yadav for involvement in illegal mining and land grabbing. While giving a declaration to the Magistrate before his death, Mr Singh accused the Dairy Minister as well as two police officers for the attack. The Minister is absconding.