Eight Villagers Arrested for Vicious Assault on Journalist in Odisha
In a shocking incident highlighting threats to press freedom, eight individuals from a village in Sundargarh district, Odisha, were arrested on Thursday evening for allegedly assaulting a local journalist. The attack, which occurred the previous night, left the journalist with critical injuries, necessitating his admission to a private hospital in Burla.
Details of the Attack and Motive
The victim, Labani Dhar Meher, a 45-year-old journalist with a Hindi daily and resident of Nakadihi village under Bhasma police limits, had reportedly written an article about encroachment of government land by some villagers. According to police sources, the accused, fearing eviction after the report's publication, allegedly targeted Meher in retaliation.
On Wednesday night, while Meher was in Nakadihi village, a group of villagers allegedly launched a brutal assault, leaving him grievously injured. His family members intervened, rescuing him and rushing him to a local hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently shifted to a private healthcare facility in Burla for specialized treatment.
Police Action and Arrests
Following the incident, Meher's wife lodged a First Information Report (FIR) naming several villagers as perpetrators. Acting swiftly on the complaint, police arrested eight individuals from Nakadihi village. The arrested persons have been identified as:
- Naresh Meher (44)
- Suresh Meher (48)
- Gangadhar Meher (40)
- Prakash Meher (31)
- Nehru Meher (40)
- Biki Meher (29)
- Prafulla Meher (34)
- Pritam Meher (24)
N Mohapatra, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sadar in Sundargarh, confirmed the arrests and stated that the investigation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the crime and any additional involvement.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
This incident underscores the dangers faced by journalists, particularly in rural areas, when reporting on sensitive issues such as land encroachment. The attack on Labani Dhar Meher raises serious concerns about the safety of media personnel and the intimidation tactics used to suppress investigative reporting.
Authorities have emphasized that such acts of violence will not be tolerated, and the arrests signal a firm stance against attacks on journalists. The case is being closely monitored, with calls for stringent legal action to deter future incidents and uphold the principles of a free press.
