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On March 26, a 35-year-old journalist was mowed down by a dumper. The deceased, Sandeep Sharma, was a journalist investigating illegal sand mining cases in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh.
Sharma, who was working with a national news channel, was run over by the dumper under mysterious circumstances.
Notably, Sharma had filed a complaint with the police that he faced an immediate threat to his life after he accused a police officer of being involved with the sand mafia.
Sharma was run over by the dumper near Kotwali Police Station. The police have now sealed the area and are examining the CCTV camera footage. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to look into the matter. The driver of the dumper is said to be absconding.
Sharma had covered a story where the alleged police officer was shown to be in close association with the sand mafia. Reportedly, an audio conversation with the said officer was aired on his news channel after which he was transferred.
ANI reported that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that strict action will be taken against people responsible for Sharma’s death.
"Security of journalists is our priority & strict action will be taken against the culprit," says #MadhyaPradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on journalist reporting on sand mafia killed after being hit by a truck (File pic) pic.twitter.com/reftqsM041
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2018
Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia demanded a CBI inquiry into Sharma’s death. Scindia told ANI that “Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and that is being crushed under the BJP’s rule.”
He was killed in broad daylight. Nothing less than a CBI inquiry should be done. Media is the 4th pillar of democracy & that is being crushed under BJP's rule: Jyotiraditya Scindia, Congress on journalist reporting on sand mafia killed after being hit by a truck. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/08tVsAjuJl
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2018
Sharma is survived by his wife and two children aged 14 and 15. His brother was martyred on April 22, 2004 while fighting terrorists in Kashmir.
Sharma’s death has created a sense of panic among other journalists in the region. It is being alleged that despite the police station being just a few meters away from the spot, the police still took 15-20 minutes to respond.
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