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Munish Sood
Mandi

A senior journalist affiliated with a local Hindi newspaper in the Sarkaghat area of Mandi has reported receiving death threats linked to his investigative work on a suspected collusion among gas distributors. This alarming situation has ignited widespread condemnation within the media community in Himachal Pradesh.

Ritesh Chauhan, who also serves as the Senior Vice President of the Himachal Pradesh Union of Journalists, has been vocal about the ongoing shortage of LPG cylinders and the potential black market activities in Sarkaghat. His articles have scrutinized the operations of specific gas agencies, bringing significant public attention to the matter.

Chauhan claims that he was confronted at his shop by individuals associated with the gas distribution network, who issued threats against his life, urging him to cease his reporting. He asserts that this intimidation is a direct consequence of his commitment to uncovering irregularities and holding those responsible accountable.

In response to the threats, Chauhan has filed a formal complaint with the police, resulting in the registration of an FIR. As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made.

The National Union of Journalists (India) has reacted strongly, denouncing the threats as a grave violation of freedom of expression and an effort to suppress independent journalism.

Key figures from the union, including State President Joginder Dev Arya and General Secretary Dr. Roop Kishore Thakur, have collectively condemned the incident and called for the immediate apprehension of those responsible.

Press clubs in the region, including those in Mandi, Sundernagar, Kullu, and Hamirpur, have also voiced their outrage, labeling the threats as a perilous precedent and demanding stringent legal measures to protect media personnel.

Media organizations have cautioned that any delay in apprehending the suspects could provoke statewide protests among journalists. They reiterated that attempts to intimidate reporters will not hinder the press's commitment to covering public issues, particularly those related to essential services and consumer rights.

This incident underscores the dangers faced by journalists at the grassroots level, especially when tackling allegations of corruption and supply chain irregularities. The focus now shifts to the police to act promptly and uphold the law while ensuring the safety of journalists performing their duties.