Journalist’s assault in Odisha: No arrest even after three days, public outrage grows

Tension is rising in Odisha’s Bolangir district after a journalist was assaulted in broad daylight on a village road, yet no action has been taken by the police even after three days of the incident. The attack took place in Kulthipali village under Puintala police station limits, where a journalist was reportedly tied up and beaten up by a group of youths while collecting news.

According to eyewitnesses, the journalist was surrounded by several individuals who questioned him aggressively and then began assaulting him. 

The shocking incident was captured on video, which has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage across the state.

More About The Incident

It is said that a group of youths, allegedly led by a contractor was involved in assault on the journalist. Even three days have passed, the police officials are yet to make any arrest.

The journalist was tied, tortured and assaulted. The concerned journalist Bijay Pradhan had lodged a complaint at Puintala police station, but the contractor Jagendra Dalei and his nephew have not been arrested so far.

The video of the incident recently went viral on social media.

The journalist had reportedly gone to cover a news item regarding a construction project which was allegedly being executed in a sub-standard manner.

No Arrests By Police Despite Outrage

Despite clear video evidence, no arrests have been made, and no official action has been initiated by the police against the attackers. Allegations are surfacing that a local contractor may be behind the incident, which is believed to be a targeted attack meant to intimidate the media.

The silence of the police and their inaction even after such a high-profile and publicly visible incident have led to increasing resentment among journalists and civil society. Many see this as not only an attack on an individual but on freedom of the press itself.

Local journalist associations have condemned the incident and are demanding immediate action. “If journalists can be beaten up in broad daylight with no consequences, it sets a dangerous precedent,” said a senior media representative from Bolangir.

The incident has raised serious questions about law and order in the region, and pressure is now mounting on the administration to act swiftly and ensure justice for the victim.

No comments could be obtained from senior police officials, even though it is learnt that two persons have been detained in connection with the incident.