FIR Registered, Widespread Condemnation from Press Bodies
Munish Sood
Mandi
A senior journalist working with a local Hindi daily in the Sarkaghat sub-division of Mandi has alleged that he was threatened with d*eath for reporting on an alleged nexus among gas distributors, sparking outrage across the media fraternity in Himachal Pradesh.
Ritesh Chauhan, who is also Senior Vice President of the Himachal Pradesh Union of Journalists, had been actively reporting on the shortage of LPG cylinders and suspected black marketing in Sarkaghat. His reports questioned the functioning of certain gas agencies and brought the issue into sharp public focus.
According to Chauhan, individuals linked to the gas distribution network confronted him at his shop and issued life threats, warning him against continuing his coverage. The journalist has maintained that the intimidation was a direct fallout of his efforts to expose irregularities and hold the system accountable.
Following the incident, Chauhan approached the police and lodged a formal complaint. An FIR has since been registered, and an investigation is underway. No arrests had been reported at the time of filing this story.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from the National Union of Journalists (India), which condemned the act in unequivocal terms. The union described the threats as a serious attack on freedom of expression and an attempt to silence independent journalism.
State President Joginder Dev Arya, General Secretary Dr. Roop Kishore Thakur, Vice President Sumit Sharma, Treasurer Sunil Kumar, and National Vice President Dr. R.S. Rana jointly condemned the incident and demanded immediate arrest of the accused.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, press clubs across the region—including those in Mandi, Sundernagar, Kullu, and Hamirpur—have strongly denounced the threats and expressed solidarity with the journalist. They termed the incident a dangerous precedent and called for strict legal action to ensure the safety of media professionals.
Media bodies have warned that any delay in arresting the culprits could lead to statewide protests by journalists. They emphasized that attempts to intimidate reporters would not deter the press from reporting on public issues, especially those affecting essential services and consumer rights.
The case has once again highlighted the risks faced by journalists at the grassroots level, particularly when reporting on alleged corruption and supply irregularities. All eyes are now on the police administration to act swiftly and uphold the rule of law while ensuring protection for journalists carrying out their duties.
