TV
In an incident that raises serious questions about press freedom, journalist Rajashree Panigrahi from Baliapal in Balasore district has received death threats after reporting on a local dispute.
Despite filing a police complaint, no action has been taken even after four days, it is alleged. The journo warned on Tuesday of self-immolation for ‘police inaction’.
Also Read: 3 arrested over assault on journalist in Bhubaneswar
According to sources, Rajashree Panigrahi, a working journalist from Baliapal locality in Balasore district, allegedly received death threats in public after reporting on a village dispute. The threat came from the husband of the Baliapal sarpanch, who was reportedly enraged after news was aired on a private TV channel and was published in a local newspaper.
The story covered a conflict between a man named Sabuddin Saha from Kachuapada village and the sarpanch’s husband. A police complaint had already been lodged about that incident. Following the news coverage, the sarpanch’s husband allegedly used abusive language and threatened to kill the journalist in broad daylight.
Rajashree has filed a written complaint at the Baliapal Police Station. However, even after four days, no action has been taken, she claimed.
The journalist further stated that she has informed Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi about the situation. Expressing frustration and fear for her life, she has warned of self-immolation in front of the police station if the accused is not arrested soon.
As of now, there has been no response from the police or the sarpanch’s husband.
“I had reported an incident that had occurred on July 9, taking the views of both parties involved. The same was aired on July 11, following which, the local sarpanch’s husband threatened me with dire consequences,” the journalist stated.
“I will also die by suicide, the same way as a girl immolated herself after she failed to get justice. I appeal to all to take action against the accused man,” Rajashree added.
