Uttar Pradesh scribe's murder overshadows fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections

Ashutosh Srivastava, a correspondent for Sudarshan News and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was fatally shot by unknown assailants on Monday while riding his motorcycle in the Shahganj area of Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district. 

Despite his previous pleas for protection to the Shahganj police station, his requests were overlooked.

The incident sparked immediate protests from local residents, who blocked the road demanding justice. The blockade was later lifted after officials assured that the matter would be investigated. Srivastava, known for his reports against cow slaughter, had previously reported receiving numerous threats from smugglers.

The Jaunpur Patrakar Sangh, a local journalists’ association, condemned the murder and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. They also called on the state government to provide ₹50 lakh in compensation to Srivastava’s family. In response, Superintendent of Police Ajay Pal Sharma stated that a team has been assigned to apprehend the assailants.

In a separate incident on Sunday, Raghav Trivedi, a reporter for the digital outlet Molitics, was assaulted at an election rally led by Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah. Trivedi was reportedly attacked after he questioned BJP leaders about allegations that women had been paid to attend the rally.

In recent years, journalists in India have faced increasing threats and attacks. In February 2021, eight journalists were charged with sedition for their coverage of the farmers’ protest in Delhi. Later in 2020, lists circulated online allegedly identifying journalists as “anti-Hindu” or as “Indian agents” named dozens of local members of the press. 

During the Delhi riots in 2020, more than a dozen journalists were harassed or injured. In February 2020, a journalist in Odisha was seriously injured after an attack by four people riding motorcycles. Between 2014 to 2019, at least 198 serious attacks were recorded on reporters, with 36 happening in 2019 alone. 

These incidents underscore the challenges faced by journalists in India and the need for greater protections for press freedom.

These incidents have ignited a debate on the safety of journalists covering the elections and underscored the need for a thorough investigation into these matters. The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned these incidents and urged authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

Despite these challenges, the voting process proceeded across the country. The results of this phase, which could significantly impact the overall outcome of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, are expected to be announced on June 4th.