India: Former Minister Sets Dogs on Chinmayee Sahoo
Journalist and news crew terrified by unprovoked attack
Location: India, Bhubaneswar
Date: June 27, 2024
Women Press Freedom denounces the attack on journalist Chinmayee Sahoo and her Argus News colleagues by former minister Das Raghunandan in Bhubaneswar. Sahoo, who was reporting unauthorized construction, was met with hostility and physical danger as Raghunandan set dogs on her and her team, an incident captured live on television. This appalling act not only exemplifies the threats journalists face but also reflects a growing trend of intimidation against the press reporting on the ground. Such actions are intolerable in a democratic society and must be firmly resisted. We urge the authorities in Odisha to launch a thorough investigation to hold Raghunandan accountable and enforce stringent measures to protect journalists. Journalists must be able to report without fear of violence or retribution.
On June 26, 2024, journalist Chinmayee Sahoo went to the neighborhood of former minister Das Raghunandan in the city of Bhubaneswar. She was at his home to cover unauthorized construction near his property.
Das Raghunandan previously held a ministerial position in the government and was a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a regional political party in the Indian state of Odisha.
Sahoo, a reporter for Argus News, had obtained permission to film at Raghunandan’s residence.
Initially cooperative, Raghunandan later ordered Sahoo to leave. As she complied, he shouted at her and let his dogs loose. The attack occurred live on television. In the footage, analyzed by Women Press Freedom, Sahoo can be heard screaming in terror as the animals approach her and the Argus News crew.
Thankfully, security intervened just before the dogs reached Sahoo. When Sahoo's cameraperson protested the incident, Raghunandan’s staff physically confronted him.
Sanjay Jena, Editor-in-Chief of Argus News denounced the incident and criticized the former minister’s actions given his former role promoting press access.
On June 27, 2024, more than one hundred journalists protested in front of the Odisha state secretaria, demanding stringent action against the senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader.
Women Press Freedom condemns this assault against Chinmayee Sahoo and her team. The use of intimidation and threats, such as unleashing dogs on reporters, is a blatant violation of press freedom and cannot be tolerated. We call on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into Das Raghunandan's actions and to hold those responsible accountable. Ensuring the safety of journalists like Chinmayee Sahoo is essential for maintaining a free and open press, and in turn a more transparent and democratic society.
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