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December 29, 2025 – India –
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has directed a high-level investigation into allegations that police officers assaulted two television journalists while they were covering events in Ashta town, raising concerns about law enforcement conduct and press freedom in the central Indian state. The directive was issued on December 28, 2025, in response to media reports and complaints from journalist bodies demanding accountability for the incident.
According to multiple accounts, the journalists — both senior reporters with prominent television networks — were documenting a public event in Ashta (Sehore district) when local police allegedly subjected them to physical assault and intimidation. The reporters said they were clearly identified as press and wearing media badges at the time, but were nonetheless allegedly pushed, grabbed, and prevented from filming, resulting in minor injuries and significant disruption to their reporting.
Following the incident, local media associations and journalist unions condemned the conduct of the police, asserting that it represented a violation of journalists’ rights and an unacceptable interference with newsgathering duties. Representatives from press bodies in Madhya Pradesh called on the state government to ensure swift inquiry, disciplinary action against those responsible, and safeguards to prevent future occurrences.
In issuing the probe order, the Chief Minister’s office acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and instructed law enforcement leadership to submit a report on the circumstances surrounding the assault. Officials emphasised that freedom of the press is a constitutional right and that journalists covering public affairs must be able to do so without fear of harassment or physical harm. The inquiry is expected to examine police actions, review available video and witness evidence, and determine whether departmental protocols were violated.
The attack in Ashta occurred amid broader debates in India about the safety of journalists covering law enforcement operations, political events, and civic unrest. Press freedom advocates have repeatedly highlighted concerns about attacks, legal harassment, and intimidation of journalists in various parts of the country, particularly when reporting on sensitive local governance issues.
Journalists injured in the alleged assault expressed cautious optimism about the state government’s response but reiterated that accountability must extend beyond the inquiry stage to tangible action against perpetrators. They also urged law enforcement agencies to undertake media sensitisation training and respect legal protections for press workers.
The ordered probe reflects mounting pressure on regional authorities to uphold media rights and the rule of law, with the state government’s response seen as a test of its commitment to protect journalists from undue force while performing their professional duties.
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