Kamal Sabat associated with Dinesh Khabar/Dinesh FM (dineshfm.com.np) was physically assaulted by Harka Bahadur Deuba and his son Thakkar Bahadur Deuba. The assaulters are arrested for investigation from Dhangadi, Sub-Municipality, Ward no. 5 on July 5th. Dhangadi lies in Sudhurpaschim Province.
The incident took place in Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative of Sudurpaschim province in the afternoon. Both father/son have been held by the police under the charge of committing act against public interest. Spokesperson and DSP of District Police Office, Pratik Bista says the arrest was made after Journalist Sabat reported the complaint. The duo beat the journalist alleging him of defaming them for writing news about their inability to make a fish pond even after taking the grants from the Ministry of Agriculture. Harka Bahadur received the subsidy of Rs. 1,42,600 for the purpose of making the fish pong from Agriculture Ministry of Dhangadi Sub-Municipality ward No. 5.
Freedom Forum appreciates the prompt action taken by the police against the assaulters, and urges to initiate further investigation in fair and just manner. FF strongly condemns the act of the duo of charging journalists for writing factual news and incident about public interest issues. Priority must always be sought in peaceful interaction than violent acts otherwise they will be subjected to legal consequences later. All the citizens and public authorities must respect journalists right to media freedom and contribute in making safe environment in the country.