In another horrific incident after a journalist was burnt alive by an Uttar Pradesh minister, again a journalist has been brutally assaulted. The recent incident took place on June 13.
Haider Khan,a stringer for a news channel, was tied to a motorcycle and dragged for more than 100 meters. After being thought of being dead by his attackers, Khan was taken to Puranpur Kotwali police station by unknown individuals, from where he was shifted to government hospital, Pilibhit, for treatment.He is in critical condition as of now.
He had been reporting on Arvind Prakash’s alleged grabing of six acres of land which belonged to the latter’s brother, who is visually impaired. “A few days ago, Prakash brutally beat up his father to force him to transfer the land to his (Prakash’s) name. I had flashed the story, which is why Prakash, who has a criminal background, attempted to kill me,” alleged Khan.
An FIR has been lodged against Arvind Prakash, his son Sudhir and two alleged accomplices Pyare Lal and Tinku under section 323 (causing hurt), 504 (insult to provoke breach of peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC at Puranpur Kotwali police station. Sudhir and Pyare Lal has been arrested.