India journalists attacked during corruption probe at RTO office

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 46 minutes ago |  JP Asia Desk

Two News24 journalists were assaulted while probing corruption at a Madhya Pradesh RTO office. Media unions condemned the attack and criticized authorities for slow progress in making arrests.

Summary

NEW DELHI — Two journalists investigating alleged corruption at a Regional Transport Office in Madhya Pradesh were assaulted on November 28, drawing strong condemnation from media rights groups and renewed concerns over the safety of reporters covering public-interest issues in India.

News24 journalist Hemant Sharma and cameraman Raja Khan were conducting the final phase of a three-day investigation into suspected malpractice involving driver licenses and vehicle registration at the RTO office in Nayta Mundla village when the incident occurred.

Attack follows confrontation inside RTO office

According to media rights organizations, the reporters were verbally abused by an individual shortly after they began filming inside the RTO premises. They were later confronted by a group of alleged “middlemen” linked to the office, who reportedly held them hostage, assaulted them, and damaged their camera equipment. Both journalists sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Police registered an official First Incident Report based on the journalists’ statements. Indore Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Rajesh Dandotiya, said the group of assailants had been identified, and an investigation was underway.

Media bodies criticize slow action by authorities

Following the attack, Indore Press Club president Deepak Kardam and fellow journalists staged a protest outside Tejaji Nagar Police Station, demanding swift action. The Indian Journalists Union said that despite video evidence and an FIR citing attempted culpable homicide and destruction of property, no arrests had been made two days after the attack. The union described the lack of progress as a troubling sign for the media community.

The IFJ and IJU noted that journalists investigating corruption in India often face threats, online harassment, and, in severe cases, forced disappearances. Both organizations urged authorities to act immediately to ensure accountability and prevent impunity.

The IJU said the recurring pattern of violence against journalists in Madhya Pradesh reflected a systemic failure to protect those reporting in the public interest. The IFJ called on local authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attacks on media workers.

KEY POINTS:

• Two News24 journalists were assaulted on November 28 while investigating RTO-related corruption in Madhya Pradesh
• The attackers allegedly acted as middlemen within the RTO system
• A police FIR was filed, and suspects have been identified, but no arrests reported within two days
• Media unions condemned the slow police response and rising attacks on journalists
• Journalists reporting on corruption in India continue to face significant safety risks

ATTRIBUTION: Information sourced from publicly available statements by the IFJ, IJU, and local press reports.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.