Journalists Claim Police Violence and Caste-Based Abuse

The Supreme Court refused to give temporary protection from arrest to two journalists from Madhya Pradesh. These journalists said they faced police violence, caste-based abuse, and ongoing threats from the Bhind Police.

Amarkant Singh Chauhan of Swaraj Express and Shashikant Jatav of Dainik Bejor Ratna went to the court. They said they were kidnapped on May 1. They also claimed they were hurt in custody and faced casteist slurs by Superintendent of Police Asit Yadav and his team.

Journalists Targeted for Reporting on Corruption

The journalists think they were targeted for reporting on corruption. They asked the Supreme Court to tell the Madhya Pradesh Police to stop any forceful action against them.

Court’s Response

The judges, Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma, said they could not give a temporary order without knowing the exact charges. Justice Sharma asked, “Suppose you commit a crime like murder, can we grant you no coercive protection order? We have to know what kind of crime the police are talking about.”

The court promised the journalists that it would step in if their lives were in danger. The case will be heard again on June 9.

Journalists Flee to Delhi

On May 19, the two journalists went to Delhi after facing police harassment. They also went to the National Human Rights Commission and the Press Council of India.

They said that more than half a dozen other journalists were in the superintendent of police’s office. These journalists were also physically abused.

Charges Against Police

Chauhan and Jatav said, “SP Asit Yadav was unhappy about the many reports on illegal sand mining in the Chambal river. These activities are done by the sand mafia with the help of the local police.”

They also said that Yadav and other police officers forced them to drop all charges about the attack.

Police Deny Charges

Earlier, Yadav said all charges were false. He told Newslaundry in May, “They are not journalists, they are blackmailers.”

Delhi High Court’s Help

On May 28, the Delhi High Court told the Delhi Police to protect Chauhan for two months. This protection is still in place.

The court told Chauhan, “In the meantime, go to the Madhya Pradesh High Court and find help there.”

Jatav also went to the Delhi High Court, but his case has not been heard yet. The case has been rescheduled for July 14.