However, four years since the incident and the apex Rights Panel has yet to decide on the safety and security for all journalists in UP
Almost four years after four journalists were killed in Uttar Pradesh within a span of 45 days, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been requested to pay adequate compensation to their family members and ensure safety and security of the Journalists working in Uttar Pradesh.
In his petition, advocate and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, referred to the four journalists who were killed and stated that UP has failed to save their lives.
On August 23, 2013, 28-year-old journalist Zakaullah was found in a gunny bag in the district Bulandshahar in UP The same day, 50-year-old Rakesh Sharma, was shot dead by an unknown assailant in Etawah. Two more killings were similarly reported from Banda and Lakhimpur Kheri.
Pointing out the lack of progress made in the cases ever since, Tripathy has also sought the intervention of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to look into the matter.
Tripathy goes on to suggest that the initial amount of Rs. 3.75 lakh paid to the family member of one of the victim was not enough. The activist-lawyer has sought for Rs. 10 lakh for the next of kin and aid in rehabilitation for the family.
However, four years since the incident and the apex Rights Panel has yet to decide on the safety and security for all journalists in UP recent events in the pass have thrown light on the issue of full and fair journalism in this country.
Earlier this year in September, Bengaluru based journalist Gauri Lankesh was fatally shot outside her house. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in the last 24 years (till 2016) 70 scribes have been killed in India.
Replying to a question posed in the Rajya Sabha in July 2017, Hansraj Ahir, Minister of state for home said only 73 people were arrested for the 142 attacks, quoted data from the NCRB.
Of 142 cases registered, 114 were reported in 2014 and 28 in 2015.
Uttar Pradesh (UP) registered the most cases (64) over two years but only four persons have been arrested. Madhya Pradesh (26) and Bihar (22). Together, the three states account for 79 per cent of all cases registered across the country.
ONLY 4 HELD
Of 142 cases registered, 114 were reported in 2014 and 28 in 2015. Uttar Pradesh registered the most cases (64) over two years but only four persons have been arrested. Madhya Pradesh (26) and Bihar (22). Together, the three states account for 79 per cent of all cases registered across the country.
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