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The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media rights organization, has raised concerns over the murder of journalist Raghavendra Vajpayee in Uttar Pradesh. PEC has called for a fair investigation to ensure justice for his family.
Vajpayee, 40, a journalist with Dainik Jagran, was shot multiple times by assailants while riding his two-wheeler on the Lucknow-Delhi highway in Sitapur on Saturday. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Reports suggest he was targeted for exposing corruption related to rice procurement incentives and stamp duty fraud.
“It is shocking that a journalist has to pay such a heavy price for his work. Vajpayee is the 26th journalist killed worldwide since January 1, 2025. We demand a high-level probe to bring the culprits to justice,” said Blaise Lempen, President of PEC. He urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to personally oversee the investigation and ensure compensation for the bereaved family.
PEC’s India representative, Nava Thakuria, also highlighted the earlier murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh in January. Chandrakar, 30, who ran the YouTube channel Bastar Junction, was found dead in a septic tank after exposing corruption in government projects. Several suspects have been arrested in his case.
PEC continues to advocate for stronger protections for journalists and demands swift action against those responsible for attacks on press freedom.
