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July 20, 2025 – India –
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of journalist C.H. Naresh in Odisha’s Malkangiri district. Police apprehended Sukumar Ray (25) and Konkan Jordar (21), both residents of Motu village, from Hyderabad, following a multi-state investigation. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in a case that has sparked concern over the safety of journalists reporting in India’s remote and high-risk regions.
Naresh, a local web journalist, was killed on July 12 while travelling with four others in an SUV near Muruliguda village. Armed assailants on motorcycles intercepted the vehicle and attacked Naresh with a sword. Severely injured, he was rushed to Malkangiri District Hospital, where he was declared dead. Another journalist, Tarun Kumar, who was in the same vehicle, managed to escape by throwing the SUV keys into nearby jungle terrain, forcing the attackers to flee.
In response to the murder, the Malkangiri police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The team used forensic analysis, eyewitness accounts, and mobile surveillance to track down the accused. According to Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Vinodh Patil, the suspects fled to Hyderabad soon after the attack. Police located and arrested them with assistance from Hyderabad authorities. They were brought back to Odisha and presented in court, where police are seeking remand for further interrogation.
The investigation also led to the recovery of the SUV and the motorcycle used in the crime. Authorities are now working to uncover the motive behind the murder and determine whether other individuals were involved.
Naresh’s killing has raised alarm among press freedom organisations and journalists’ unions in Odisha. While the motive remains unclear, the incident has reignited calls for stronger protections for media workers, particularly those operating in conflict-prone or underdeveloped regions. Many in the journalist community have demanded a thorough probe and swift justice to ensure accountability and deterrence.
As the investigation progresses, attention remains focused on whether the murder was linked to Naresh’s reporting work, a personal dispute, or other motivations. The case underscores the increasing vulnerability of journalists in India’s rural districts and the urgent need for systemic safeguards.
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