3 arrested over assault on journalist in Bhubaneswar

Police have arrested three persons in connection with an alleged attack on a journalist and a cameraman who were gathering news in a village under Mancheswar police limits in Bhubaneswar, sources said on Sunday.

The duo, who endured physical assault during the incident, lodged an FIR with the police. Law enforcement has concurrently initiated its own investigation into the attack.

Also Read: OTV journalist assault case in Bolangir: Two officials of Electricity Dept arrested & suspended

Efforts persist to nab the primary suspect, as witnesses report that several individuals arrived in a white SUV, confronting both the journalist and the cameraman. The attackers allegedly attempted to strangle the journalist and inflicted potential life-threatening injuries, aiming strikes primarily at the head.

When the police intervened, it was reported that the aggressors also physically confronted the officers, resorting to pushing and hitting them. This incident underscores the inherent dangers faced by journalists in Odisha as they pursue news coverage, particularly when they engage with perilous scenarios or contentious figures.

This event emphasises the necessity for adequate protection for journalists, who continue to play an essential role in a democratic society by holding power to account.

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Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident, Kantabanji electrical SDO Jagannath Pati and Muribahal electrical engineer Chinmaya Sahu were arrested on January 9 in connection with the assault involving three journalists including the one from Odisha Television Network (OTV) in Bolangir district.

Subsequently, Bolangir police had forwarded the arrested officials of Electricity Department to the court. They were placed under suspension following their arrests.