In a chilling incident that has left the journalistic and legal communities in shock, Laxmi Narayan Singh, a 54-year-old veteran journalist also known by his nickname Pappu, was brutally hacked to death near Harsh Hotel in Prayagraj on the evening of October 23, 2025.
Singh was rushed to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in a critical condition following the assault but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, according to police and hospital officials.
Police confirmed that a sharp-edged weapon was used to carry out the attack. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack, and efforts to identify and apprehend them began promptly. Singh was not only a respected journalist but was also related to a prominent legal personality; he was the nephew of Ashok Singh, a former president of the High Court Bar Association.
This connection has deepened the local community’s concern about the safety and security of media professionals and the possible motives behind this heinous crime.
Police Make Quick Arrest Following Encounter
In a significant development, law enforcement officials arrested the main accused, named Vishal, late on the night of October 23 itself. Vishal was apprehended after a police encounter near the crime scene where he reportedly sustained injuries from gunshots in both legs and was admitted to hospital under police custody.
Additional Commissioner of Police Ajay Pal Sharma stated, “Vishal was found to have purchased the weapon used in the crime-a knife from Machhli Bazaar. Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage helped in tracking him down promptly.” Two other suspects have been detained for questioning, and police are actively searching for more involved individuals believed to have aided or planned the attack.
Investigators have revealed that initial police inquiries suggest the murder may have stemmed from a dispute that occurred between Singh and Vishal days prior to the fatal attack. Efforts are continuing to firmly establish the motive and connections of the suspects to the victim.
Community Demands Justice and Protection for Journalists
The murder of Laxmi Narayan Singh has sparked widespread grief and condemnation across Prayagraj and beyond. Journalists’ associations, fellow reporters, and legal professionals have come forward demanding swift and transparent action from the authorities. Many fellow journalists described Singh as a courageous reporter dedicated to exposing truth and justice without fear.
Local residents and activists gathered at the hospital and near the crime scene demanding immediate justice and assurance for the safety of mediapersons working in the region. The incident has also reignited debates on the vulnerabilities journalists face while reporting, especially in areas with complex social and political dynamics.
The state government has instructed the police to expedite investigations and has deployed additional security forces in the area to prevent any untoward incidents in the wake of this crime.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The brutal killing of Laxmi Narayan Singh is a devastating blow to the democratic spirit and the safety of those who speak truth to power through journalism. Journalists are societal watchdogs whose safety should be a paramount concern for both government authorities and citizens alike.
Every act of violence against media professionals is an attack on the fundamental right to free expression and the public’s right to know. The Logical Indian underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect journalists, including better security protocols, strict enforcement of laws against attacks on the press, and a culture that respects and honours the critical role of journalism in society.
We stand in solidarity with the family of Laxmi Narayan Singh and all journalists working under threat. It is only through collective vigilance, dialogue, and commitment to justice that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
