NEW DELHI, 12 Sep: The India Freedom of Expression Initiative (IFEI) welcomed the direction of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to award compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to the next of kin of murdered journalist Shahdev Dey.
The NHRC directed the chief secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to provide monetary compensation of Rs five lakh each within two weeks on 9 September, IFEI convener Suhas Chakma informed in a release.
“As the killing of said journalist was established because of his daring reporting of illegal activities going on in the said area, the commission deems its fit case, where the victim’s family to be provided with monetary compensation,” the NHRC stateed in its order.
Dey, owner of the local news channel ‘Republic Andaman’, had gone missing on 29 March this year, and his charred body was found on 2 April, the release said.
On 3 April, Chakma had filed a complaint with the NHRC, alleging that journalist Shahdev Dey, known for exposing illegal activities, such as timber smuggling and gambling, was allegedly targeted and murdered to silence his fearless journalism.
In its report to the NHRC, the Andaman Police stated that an FIR dated 01/04/2025 was registered at Diglipur police station under Sections 103(1)/61(2)/238 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023 and investigation was taken up under the supervision of Inspector Vijay Kumar, SHO of Diglipur police station.
A special investigation team was constituted for ensuring impartial, transparent, and expeditious investigation into the murder of the journalist and four accused – S Gangaya (48), Ramasubramaniyan (47), Bithika Mallik (35), and M Ramesh (44) – were arrested. The statements of material witnesses have been recorded before the court, strengthening the prosecution case. The accused persons confessed to the crime and the seized evidence collectively substantiate the premeditated nature of the crime, indicating a clear motive linked to the deceased’s reporting on illegal activities in the locality.
It was also stated that the investigation of the case is at its concluding stage with filing of chargesheet pending only upon receipt of the expert opinion from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad.
The accused are presently under judicial custody at district jail, Mayabunder.
“The journalists across the country are facing increased threats, especially from the non-state actors, to their lives and liberties because of their profession of journalism. The order of the NHRC and prosecution of the accused is a step in the right direction to protect the journalists,” stated Chakma.
