It was the first day of the new year 2025 and a fearless reporter had gone missing. Days later, his lifeless body was found in a septic tank that displayed signs of brutal assault. His crime? Exposing the truth.
Chandrakar’s story is not the only incident of this kind. Between 2010 and 2020, not less than 68 journalists in India have been killed for their work, making India one of the most dangerous countries for investigative journalism. This raises a serious and urgent question: Why are journalists, whose role is to inform and protect society, so vulnerable to attacks?
It is important to understand that the sudden death of Mukesh Chandrakar is actually a part of a very large and troubling trend in India. Reporters who report about corruption, organized crime, and human rights abuses are most likely to be the victims of heinous crimes. While the Indian Constitution talks about press freedom, the reality is completely different. India ranks poorly on global press freedom indices with widespread threats to journalists coming from all parts of the country. In 2023, five journalists were killed and almost 200 were physically assaulted or faced legal challenges. This is the bitter price many journalists pay for pursuing the truth in this country.
The alarming questions is: Why are our journalists so vulnerable?
One of the primary reasons behind this is the systematic impunity that puts these journalists in danger. It’s a harsh thing but the perpetrators of violence against journalists are hardly held accountable. Often times the culprits are powerful political figures, criminal organisations or well established businessmen. It is also noticed that because of the investigation being undermined or stalled, it is understood that people who attack the press do not face major consequences. The lack of political will further creates a climate of fear.
Journalists who specifically cover corruption or organized crime oftentimes find themselves caught between corrupt local politicians, law enforcement or influential business figures. These are the subjects that are dangerous to report on and also have the means to retaliate, many times through violent means. Additionally, journalists working in remote or conflict prone areas are at a higher risk, as they lack legal security and protection. In such cases, the truth becomes the first casualty and the role of journalists become increasingly perilous.
What do the Journalists need?
The journalists of the country require a legal approach that can tackle the immediate threats faced and also the systematic loopholes that enable the injustice. Anybody who commits a crime against a journalist should be held accountable regardless of the political or economical position. In order to end the culture of impunity we require a stronger legal framework, and dedicated resources who would investigate and help in the prosecution process of the crimes against the press.
Furthermore, journalists working in dangerous and conflict prone environments must be provided with better safety trainings by the media organisations in collaboration with human rights groups. It must be ensured that the journalists are equipped with bullet proof jackets and safe houses. Reporters must also be protected digitally by taking necessary security measures to avoid online harassment, surveillance and hacking.
The government must also extend institutional support. In order to genuinely protect the press freedom, a clear national policy on the safety of journalists has to be adopted by the Indian Government. Journalists who report on sensitive or high risk areas must have access to legal and physical protection. It is the duty of the government to ensure that freedom of speech and the press becomes a practical reality that is also safeguarded at all levels and not just a constitutional right on the paper.
Also, public awareness and societal pressure can also play a significant role in the protection of journalists. The general public will only demand for greater accountability if they are aware of the importance of press freedom and the dangers faced by the journalists. Media campaigns, protests and advocacy for the press freedom can bring an evident shift in public opinion and can force the respective authorities to act.
Through collective efforts, the safety of journalists in India can be prioritised.