MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders CBI inquiry into journalist Sandeep Sharma's death

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday ordered a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the death of a journalist Sandeep Sharma.

The decision was taken during a meeting called to discuss the law and order situation.

A television journalist who had complained about threats to his life after he carried out a sting operation on illicit sand mining was today mowed down by a truck, triggering a demand from the Congress for a CBI probe into the death.

The 35-year-old journalist was talking on his phone by the side of Ater Road in front of a police station when the truck, used to ferry sand, ran over him

Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha Jyotiraditya Scindia said the journalist had exposed the nexus between the sand mafia and police.

The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Ajay Singh, had also demanded a CBI probe, stating that the government had not taken action though the journalist had informed the authorities that his life was under threat.

Sandeep Sharma, who worked for a local news channel, had told the district administration he feared he could be killed by the sand mafia, his nephew, Vikas Purohit, said in a complaint to the police.

"Sandeep had petitioned the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector General (IG), Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Human Rights Commission stating that he feared for his life and had demanded security," Purohit said.

In his report to the top officials, Sharma had said because of the sting operation against the sand mafia and the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the officer was transferred, Purohit claimed.