(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: IFJ condemns attack on woman journalist in Chattisgarh The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, today condemned the heinous attack on an independent woman journalist in Chattisgarh. According to information received by the IFJ, journalist […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release:
IFJ condemns attack on woman journalist in Chattisgarh
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, today condemned the heinous attack on an independent woman journalist in Chattisgarh.
According to information received by the IFJ, journalist Ms. Shika Das was attacked on August 26 by several people wielding knives, including members of the prominent Gardia family. The incident took place in Pithora, in the Mahasamund district of Chattisgarh.
The attack is believed to have been triggered by Das’ story in the Hindi daily Jansatta the previous week, exposing an alleged fraud by members of the powerful Gardia family. The story outlined how Sanjay Gardia and his wife Monica Gardia were allegedly engaged in the trafficking of women under the guise of a home for destitute women and children.
“Penalising whistle blowers for their truth telling is a curtailment of press freedom that must be resisted,” said IFJ President Christopher Warren.
“The courage shown by Ms. Das is particularly laudable in a state where there are few women journalists and even fewer women reporters,” said the IFJ President.
Following the attack, villagers helped Shika Das reach the local police station to register a complaint. However, the local police refused to file a First Information Report (FIR). It was only after a delegation of local journalists met with the Superintendent of Police of Mahasamund district that an FIR was filed.
Three days before the incident, Das raised concerns for her safety with the collector Shiv Tiwari. However, she was not offered any protection. Das is now apprehensive of further attacks and renewed attempts to silence her.
“This outrageous attempt to prevent a journalist from doing her job and informing the public must never be repeated. The guilty must be immediately brought to justice and Ms Das assured of protection,” said Warren.
Please urge the local police to take action by faxing letters to:
Superintendent of Police
Mahasamund
Fax +91 7723 223154
Collector
Mahasamund
Fax +91 7723 223302
Chief Minister Raman Singh
Fax +91 771 2221306
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.
