Two journalists from leading Hindi newspapers were fired at while they were having tea at a restaurant in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district on Thursday evening.
Both journalists identified as Shyam Sundar Pandey and Laddu Pandey, both in their mid-thirties were rushed to the BHU Medical College and are said to be out of danger.
Sonbhadra Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Vinod Kumar Singh said that the two journalists were sitting at a restaurant located in Kaliyari market and having tea.
“In the meantime, two unidentified miscreants, who were on a bike and wearing helmets, reached the spot and opened two to three rounds of fire, injuring the duo, and fled the spot,” ASP Singh said.
The incident triggered panic among the locals and they immediately informed the police.
“So far, we have not ascertained the motive behind the incident. The two journalists are out of danger and we will shortly record their statements,” the ASP added.
An FIR has been registered in the case and the locals, who were present at the tea shop were asked about the registration and identification of the bike used by unknown assailants.
Meanwhile, press freedom in India has been under attack with at least six journalists being killed, many more physically assaulted, and media houses or newspapers being targeted, according to India Press Freedom Report 2021 by Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG).
At least six journalists were killed, 108 journalists and 13 media houses/newspapers targeted even though a pandemic raged on in the country.
Related
Rabia Shireen is a Staff Reporter at The Cognate.
