GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Jan. The President of the National Union of Journalists (India), Ras Bihari, has expressed deep concern over the threat made by the liquor mafia against Ashutosh Chaturvedi, the editor-in-chief of the Hindi daily Prabhat Khabar.
Bihari has demanded strict action and raised questions about the Jharkhand government’s response to the threat.
A letter has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Governor and Chief Minister of Jharkhand, urging them to take action against those responsible.
The matter will also be brought to the attention of the Press Council of India.
Bihari has highlighted the alarming nature of the incident, as the threat was made from Ranchi’s jail. He said that this raises serious concerns about the government’s approach to dealing with criminals and the mafia. Bihari stated that the morale of criminals and the mafia is high due to the protection they receive from the government.
On December 29, 2023, Ashutosh Chaturvedi, the editor-in-chief of Prabhat Khabar, was threatened by a mafia member named Yogendra Tiwari.
Further investigation into the callers revealed some shocking facts. The numbers used by the mafia to threaten the senior journalist were traced back to Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi.
A complaint was filed with the police commissioner on the same day, and the information about the threat from the jail was shared with the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand, the Home Secretary of the Government of Jharkhand, and senior police officers.
Bihari strongly condemned the entire incident and described it as a dangerous trend that directly attacks the fourth pillar of democracy.
He emphasized that silencing journalists through threats is unacceptable and goes against democratic principles.
If strict action is not taken against the criminals, an agitation will be launched in the state.
