Pakistan Cybercrime Agency Under Fire for Targeting Investigative Journalist
August 7, 2025
Bangladeshi Journalist Hacked to Death While Reporting Extortion
August 7, 2025
August 7, 2025 – India –
Two men accused of the murder of journalist Raghvendra Bajpai were killed in an encounter with Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Task Force (STF) and local police in Sitapur. The accused, identified as brothers Raju Tiwari, also known as Rizwan, and Sanjay Tiwari, also known as Shibu or Shakeel Khan, were both carrying a bounty of ₹1 lakh each.
According to police, the encounter occurred when the STF, acting on intelligence, intercepted the two men travelling on a motorcycle in the Pisawa area. Officials said the accused opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory firing. Both men sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a hospital, where they were declared dead.
The two brothers had been on the run since March 8, when Bajpai, a journalist with Dainik Jagran, was shot dead while riding his motorcycle in Sitapur’s Maholi area. His murder drew widespread condemnation, with many calling for stronger protections for journalists in Uttar Pradesh. Police investigations linked the brothers to the contract killing, which was allegedly orchestrated by other accused in the case.
Authorities had earlier arrested several individuals in connection with the murder, but Raju and Sanjay had managed to evade capture. Their deaths mark a significant development in the months-long investigation.
Bajpai’s killing was believed to be connected to his investigative reporting, which often exposed corruption and wrongdoing. The attack was described by colleagues as a targeted act meant to silence his work. The encounter, however, has also raised questions, with some critics calling for transparency and independent verification of events leading to the deaths of the accused.
Police have stated that the operation was carried out following the law and that the encounter has dealt a blow to those attempting to evade justice in the case. The incident is expected to close a major chapter in the investigation, although the larger concerns over journalist safety in the region remain unresolved.
References –
