IJU condemns killing of MP journalist, demands action

HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI, Jun 21: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has condemned the ghastly murder of Chakresh Jain, a local journalist of Shahgarh in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, who was writing for different Hindi dailies.
According to the police, the 40-year-old journalist was found in a deserted place on Wednesday with 90 percent burn injuries, and admitted in the local hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries.
The brother of the deceased has alleged that two men, including the additional agriculture extension officer (AAEO), had set Jain on fire. According to a report, AAEO Aman Chowdhary and the journalist were involved in a legal fight. The case is in the final stages of hearing.
The IJU also expressed grave concern over the failure of SHO Zahid Khan to record the dying statement of the deceased and investigate the case properly. It, however, commended the local SP’s action of initiating a probe against the SHO and attaching him to the police line.
IJU President Amar Devulapalli and Secretary-General Sabina Inderjit have demanded immediate inquiry and justice to the families of the slain journalist.