Geneva: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has demanded a fair and thorough investigation into the murder of Indian journalist V Jaganmohan Reddy, who was killed in Andhra Pradesh on April 28.
According to reports, the 40-year-old journalist, who worked with ABN Andhra Jyothy, was attacked by a group of miscreants with sharp weapons while he was out for a morning walk in Chittoor district. He died on the spot. His body was later sent to a government hospital for post-mortem.
Journalist groups held protests at the Tirupati Press Club and demanded justice. The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) said the attack may be linked to his recent reports on sandalwood smuggling in the area. The union also called for a strong policy to protect journalists and ensure press freedom.
PEC president Blaise Lempen condemned the killing and urged the state government to find the motive behind the crime and arrest those responsible. He said Jaganmohan Reddy is the first journalist killed in India this year and the 26th worldwide.
PEC’s regional representative Nava Thakuria said the incident took place in Chittoor, which is the home district of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The journalist is survived by his wife and two children.
Reports also noted that six journalists were killed in India last year, raising concerns about the safety of media persons in the country.
