Freedom Forum is seriously concerned about the attack on journalist Dinesh Giri who sustained injury on his head for writing news against illegal crusher business in Belbari, Morang. Journalist Giri was attacked by unknown gang on 2nd June at 8.30 PM in his own house. He is associated to Betena FM and nirantarkhabar.com news portal. The incident occurred at Belbari, Morang. Morang district lies in Province No 1 of Nepal.
As reported by FF's representative for Province No 1, Bikram Niraula, journalist Giri was attacked by local gang of Jagen Gurung, Chitra Khadka and Bishal Thapa with knife and rod due to which Giri sustained injury on his head. He has been receiving treatment at Nobel Hospital, Biratnagar.
According to Giri, the attackers are associated with local crusher industry that is being operated illegally in the area. Journalist Giri had published news about the same in his online. Ram Kumar Rai, Inspector at Belbari Police Range informed that two perpetrators namely Chitra Khadka and Bishal Thapa were arrested and Jagen Gurung is being searched. Inspector Rai shared that the case was being investigated seriously and FIR has been filed against them under the murder attempt.
The incident is sheer violation of press freedom and journalist's right to report in the fear-free atmosphere. The attack was a life-threatening attempt. It shows that journalists doing investigative reporting are in more vulnerable situation in Nepal.
FF vehemently condemns the incident and strongly urges the concerned authority to investigate the case seriously and immediately take action against the attackers.
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np
Email: monitoring@freedomforum.org.np; info@freedomforum.org.np;