Two days after Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared the state crime-free, a 38-year-old journalist was shot dead in Kanpur. Naveen Gupta, a journalist working with Hindi daily Hindustan, was shot dead by three bikers in Bilhaur area of Kanpur on Nov 30.
According to Superintendent of Police (rural) JP Singh, police has filed cases against unidentified assailants and has rounded up few suspects for questioning and investigation. The incident was recorded at 5.30 pm when Naveen was sitting near a shop in Bilhaur Nagar Palika. According to the police version, three attackers approached Naveen on two bikes and opened fire at him. Principal secretary (information) Awanish Awasthi informed media in Lucknow that CM Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolence and ordered DGP Sulkhan Singh to carry out the investigation in the case.
Naveen succumbed to injuries and died on his way to the hospital. He was declared ‘brought dead’ at the hospital. According to the SP JP Singh, the police is talking with the family members of Naveen to find out the motive behind the killing. The incident comes as a blot on the CM Yogi Adityanath who made a remark on Tuesday about investments in the state. He claimed to have sent criminals to their “right place” after coming into the state’s power.
In the latest world press freedom rankings, India was ranked at 136 among 180 countries. The ranking, released in April, marked “nationalism” and “self-censorship” among the media outlets behind the such a low place for India.
(source: Two Circles)