Photojournalist at www.birgunjcity.com Raju Baitha was threatened for his news report on May 18 in Bara. Bara lies in Madhesh Province of Nepal.
Reporter Baitha shared with Freedom Forum that he had covered news about illegal excavation in a local river and other irregularities in the Bishrampur municipality on May 8. The video reporting was published on the media’s YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBtV4TgT3yQ
“I informed the municipality mayor and the local chairperson about the illegal excavation, but it was in vain,” said Baitha. On May 16, he shared the news link on his Facebook page, which drew the attention of the municipal authorities, contractors, and local residents.
Following this, on May 18, a local businessman allegedly involved in the river excavation, Tait Yadav, arrived at reporter Baitha’s residence with four others and threatened to make him disappear. They even attempted to assault Baitha, but his neighbors rescued him.
“I informed the local police offices about the incident, seeking action against Yadav. I am also preparing to report the incident to the District Police Office and District Administration Office, demanding security, as I travel 40 minutes every day on my bicycle from my office to home,” Baitha added.
Freedom Forum strongly condemns the threat issued to the journalist. FF urges the security authority to address the reporter’s complaint. The local administration is urged to ensure his safety and take measures to prevent any untoward incidents to the reporter.
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