Siraha-based reporter for the National News Agency and editor at https://simapost.com/, Mukesh Yadav, was attacked on April 3. Siraha lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Speaking to Freedom Forum’s province representative, Rajan Singh, Yadav shared that local transport entrepreneur Parmeshwor Yadav had been blaming journalists for posting photos of his company’s buses, for alleged involvement in illegal transportation of goods. A few days before the attack, Parmeshwor Yadav called reporter Yadav and asked why he had shared the photos on social media.
“When I told him that I had not taken any pictures, he verbally abused me, saying he would ‘teach me journalism’,” reporter Yadav told Singh. Following this, Yadav informed fellow journalists about the incident and lodged a complaint at the District Police Office (DPO) in Siraha on March 31.
Again, Parmeshwor Yadav’s relative called and threatened Yadav for allegedly posting the photos on social media. Then, on April 3, while Yadav was on his way home from DPO Siraha, a group of individuals attacked him. He managed to escape and reach home but lost consciousness after reaching home.
He was rushed to the Provincial Hospital in Siraha for treatment and later referred to the Provincial Hospital in Dhanusha. Yadav sustained injuries to his head, neck, and hands.
“Had the police taken action after my complaint, this incident could have been prevented. I feel unsafe continuing my profession under these situation,” Yadav worried, “The perpetrator may continue intimidating in the future.”
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Birendra Kumar Paswan, the Information Officer at DPO Siraha, informed FF that investigation was underway and police were searching for evidence related to the attack.
Freedom Forum strongly condemns the attack. No journalists should be threatened or attacked merely for his/ her profession. The incident is a gross violation of press freedom.
FF urges the concerned authority to investigate the case and bring to book the attackers ensuring justice to the journalist.
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