New Delhi: In a disturbing incident that highlighted the perils faced by journalists, Bijay Pradhan, a journalist from Odisha’s Bolangir was violently attacked by the locals when he was pointing out to the irregularities in a local construction project of a guard wall.
After this incident, four persons including a minor was arrested after the video of the assault went viral. the video showed one of the accused beating the journalist in the face. The accused have been identified as Abhinash Dalai, Aditya Jena, Gumara Nayak, and a minor.
A journalist was brutally tied, tortured, and assaulted in broad daylight in Odisha’s Bolangir district ! Is it the new Odisha BJP promised ?
CM @MohanMOdisha ji , when those who speak the truth are met with violence, it’s more than a breakdown of law and order – it’s a direct… pic.twitter.com/EaZlL0yeZq
— Abhishek Mahananda 🇮🇳ଅଭିଷେକ ମହାନନ୍ଦ (@MahanandaINC) May 26, 2025
On Saturday, Pradhan had went to the construction site on receiving information about the corruption in the making of the wall. He interacted with the villagers there and also took pictures. Suddenly, some people stopped him and snatched away his mobile phone, accessories and microphone.
He was allegedly tied to a tree and beaten profusely. He was kicked and slapped and brutally tortured. Later, Pradhan was discovered unconscious. It is suspected by the officials that a a contractor is involved this mishap. The contractor was responsible for instigating the beating through some locals. However, the police has been investigating the whole matter.
Senior police official Abhilash G has remarked “We have taken this matter very seriously. Based on the preliminary investigation, we suspect that the contractor involved in the guard wall construction may have played a role in instigating the assault. His involvement is being thoroughly probed, and he will be arrested if found guilty.”
Politicians have taken over to X to report for the lack of accountability and concerns about the freedom of press.
