Journalists face attacks without safety, from cities to villages*

New Delhi: In a disturbing incident reflecting growing threats to press freedom across rural India, a television journalist was reportedly abducted, tied up, and brutally assaulted by a group of people in Odisha’s Balangir district while reporting on alleged corruption.

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of assault

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports about the incident that occurred on May 25, 2025 in Kulthipali village, Balangir district, Odisha. The journalist was reportedly attacked by a group of miscreants while attempting to report on suspected irregularities at a local construction site.

The NHRC observed that the incident, if true, represents a grave violation of human rights. In response, the Commission has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Odisha, seeking a detailed report on the case within two weeks.

Journalist tied and publicly assaulted

According to the media report published on May 26, 2025, the journalist was not only physically assaulted but also humiliated in public. His legs and hands were tied, and he was paraded through the village before being tied to a pole and brutally beaten.

Witnesses allege that the attackers were infuriated by the journalist’s presence at the site, where construction activity has sparked local allegations of corruption.

Equipment destroyed, threats issued

The perpetrators also smashed the journalist’s mobile phones and video camera to prevent him from recording or reporting the events. They reportedly warned him against sharing any information related to the construction project with the media or authorities.

Call for accountability and protection

This brutal incident underscores the critical need to protect journalists from such violent reprisals, especially in rural areas where institutional safeguards may be weaker. The Commission expects the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

This incident further highlights the urgent need for systemic protections for journalists, regardless of whether they report from urban newsrooms or rural field sites.