Editor at Ranbhumi.com, Pawan Bikram Shah was manhandled while covering a news in Biratnagar on February 20. Biratnagar lies in Koshi Province of Nepal.
Journalist Shah shared with Freedom Forum that after receiving complaints from local residents about alleged irregularities in the construction of a drain, he went to the site to report on the issue. “I was talking to locals nearby and recording videos of the site when a person named Jitendra Khadka and his family members manhandled me and attacked my camera,” Shah said.
According to Shah, Khadka is a member of the consumers’ committee involved in the construction of the drain.
Shah further stated that Khadka also misbehaved with him at the local police station, where both parties had been called to facilitate a discussion. Next meeting has been scheduled for February 24, Shah informed.
Freedom Forum condemns the assault on the reporter. Such incidents create fear among journalists and discourage them from reporting in the field. The security authorities are urged to hold discussion to ensure free and fair reporting atmosphere for journalists.
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