Odisha: Journalist Brutally Assaulted While Investigating Corruption, Five Arrested

Journalist Bijaya Kumar Pradhan was brutally assaulted in Kulthipali village, Balangir district, Odisha, while investigating alleged corruption related to the construction of a ₹10 lakh retaining wall. Pradhan, a TV reporter, had gone to the village to document irregularities in the project when he was attacked by a group led by the accused contractor Gajendra Dalai.

According to eyewitnesses and viral video footage, Pradhan was tied up, beaten severely under a tree, and paraded through the village. The attackers confiscated his mobile phones, microphone, camera, and cash. They allegedly took him to a nearby temple and threatened him with further violence if he published the report. The ordeal lasted nearly two hours, leaving the journalist physically and emotionally traumatized.

The footage sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation from journalists, media organizations, and human rights groups. Initially, the police were slow to respond, but following mounting pressure, they arrested four individuals, including Abinash Dalai, Aditya Jena, Gumar Nayak, and a minor. The prime accused, Gajendra Dalai, was arrested later near the Balangir-Sonepur border.

On May 30, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Odisha, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The NHRC strongly condemned the incident, stating that such an attack on a journalist investigating public interest matters is not only a criminal offense but also a serious violation of human rights.

The incident has reignited concerns over press freedom and journalist safety in rural India, where local reporters often face threats and violence from those involved in corruption or criminal activity. Many have called for stricter laws and faster legal recourse to protect journalists doing critical ground-level work.

Bottom line: The assault on Bijaya Pradhan is a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face when exposing corruption. While arrests have been made, long-term protection and accountability remain urgent. Press freedom in India depends not just on legal safeguards, but on a culture that respects the role of journalists in upholding transparency and truth.