Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, July 15, 2025, Kolkata :
The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has issued a strong condemnation of the brutal murder of Naresh Kumar, a web journalist who was savagely hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Odisha’s Malkangiri district on the evening of Saturday, July 12, 2025. The attack, which occurred near Muruliguda under the jurisdiction of the Motu police station, is being viewed as a direct and disturbing assault on the freedom of the press and the personal safety of journalists operating in vulnerable regions.According to initial reports, Naresh Kumar was in conversation with fellow journalists when he was suddenly ambushed around 6 PM by five unidentified men riding on two motorcycles. The attackers used a sword in the assault and fled the scene immediately after inflicting fatal injuries, leaving Kumar fatally wounded. The seemingly premeditated and violent nature of the act has sent shockwaves through the media fraternity and civil society alike.
Geetartha Pathak, President of the IJU and a former member of the Press Council of India, expressed profound grief and indignation at the incident, describing it as not only an attack on an individual journalist but on the core values of democracy itself. “The murder of Naresh Kumar is a chilling reminder of the risks journalists face while upholding the truth. This is not just an attack on an individual but an assault on the very pillars of democracy,” he stated. Pathak has demanded a high-level judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting judge to ensure that justice is not delayed or denied. He also called for a thorough investigation to determine any possible underlying motives behind the heinous crime.
Echoing these sentiments, IJU Secretary General Sabina Inderjit underscored the severity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure the protection of journalists. “The killing of Naresh Kumar in broad daylight is a stark indication of the deteriorating safety for journalists in Odisha and across India. We urge the Odisha government to immediately institute a high-level investigation to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice,” she said. Inderjit reiterated the IJU’s longstanding demand for the enactment of a comprehensive protection law specifically designed to safeguard media professionals from threats, violence, and harassment.
In its statement, the IJU expressed unwavering solidarity with the bereaved family, friends, and professional colleagues of Naresh Kumar, extending heartfelt condolences during this time of immense loss. The union has called upon the Odisha government to not only expedite the investigation and deliver justice but also to provide adequate financial compensation to Kumar’s family.
The IJU further emphasized the need for the government to establish robust mechanisms to prevent violence against journalists and uphold their constitutional right to report freely and without fear. The union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a nationwide policy dedicated to the safety and security of journalists, recognizing their critical role in preserving democratic accountability and ensuring the public’s right to information.
As outrage over the murder continues to mount, media organizations, civil rights groups, and press freedom advocates across the country are uniting in their demand for immediate and effective action. The IJU has pledged to monitor the progress of the investigation closely and to continue pressing authorities until justice is served.
