Ambikapur: Tensions flared in Ambikapur after a journalist was allegedly assaulted while covering a protest outside a private hospital, triggering widespread outrage among journalists across the district. Members of the Sarguja Press Club and local reporters staged a sit-in protest at the Kotwali police station, demanding strict action against the attackers and accountability from the police.
The incident occurred when journalist Sushil Kumar Bakhla was reporting on a demonstration against a private hospital. According to eyewitnesses, several youths from the crowd attacked him, snatched his mobile phone, and assaulted him while he was recording video footage. Journalists who attempted to intervene were also injured.
What has further fueled anger is that the attack took place in the presence of a heavy police deployment. The Kotwali Station In-Charge was reportedly present at the scene, yet the assault could not be prevented.
Journalists Gherao Kotwali Police Station
Following the attack, journalists from across the district gathered at the Kotwali police station and began a sit-in protest. Slogans were raised against the police administration and the Bharatiya Janata Party, as protesters alleged that many individuals involved in the demonstration were linked to the party and were being led by a senior BJP leader.
“The youth came, snatched my phone, and started beating me while I was filming. The police went on the back foot despite being present,” said victim journalist Sushil Kumar Bakhla.
The situation at the police station remained tense for several hours as journalists were joined by local residents, traders, social workers, and members of various social organizations.
Political Leaders Join Protest
Congress leader Aditeshwar Sharan Singh Deo, along with the district Congress president and party workers, reached the police station in support of the journalists and strongly condemned the incident.
“This is a very unfortunate situation for the city and society. An attack on the fourth pillar of democracy is unacceptable. Police must take strict action against the guilty,” Singh Deo said.
FIR Registered Against Accused
After reviewing video footage of the incident, senior police officials including the Additional Superintendent of Police and the City Superintendent of Police ordered the registration of an FIR. Cases have been filed against Arunendra Pratap Singh, Akash Singh, and Badu Singh under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Following the registration of the case, journalists called off their protest. However, they continue to demand the immediate arrest of the accused and disciplinary action against police officers who allegedly failed to intervene during the assault.
What Was the Journalist Covering?
The journalist was covering a protest demanding the removal of an electricity transformer installed outside Laxmi Narayan Hospital, located in a residential area. Locals had been opposing the transformer installation due to safety concerns. The protest intensified through the day and eventually turned violent, leading to clashes between two groups. During this chaos, the journalist was targeted while performing his professional duties.
Police officials have stated that the situation is currently under control and that complaints from both sides have been registered, while further investigation into the attack on the journalist is ongoing.