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April 02, 2025 – India –
On April 1, 2025, the charred body of 38-year-old journalist Shahdeb Dey was discovered in a field in Deshbandhu Nagar, Diglipur, North Andaman district. Dey, known for his investigative reporting on illegal activities such as timber smuggling, soil excavation, illicit liquor trade, and gambling, had been missing since March 29. His last communication was a phone call to his wife at 8:11 PM on March 29, stating he was in Madhupur and would return home shortly. He never made it back, and his phone was subsequently turned off.
The police have arrested four individuals in connection with his murder: Gangaiyya, a bar and restaurant owner; his employees Rama Subramanian and Ramesh; and a local woman, Bitika Mallik. Preliminary investigations suggest that personal enmity involving the woman may have been the motive behind the crime. According to Superintendent of Police Shweta K. Sugathan, on the evening of March 29, Bitika called Dey to meet her at Nehru Yuva Kendra in Diglipur. There, Subramanian allegedly struck him with a blunt object, rendering him unconscious. The group then transported his body to a secluded area in Deshbandhu Nagar, where they set it on fire.
Dey’s colleagues and civil society groups have expressed outrage over the incident, particularly regarding the police’s emphasis on his personal life in their investigation. They are calling for a comprehensive probe into all aspects of his work and life to ensure justice.
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media rights organization, has condemned the murder and urged for a fair and thorough investigation. PEC President Blaise Lempen emphasized that Dey’s vocal stance against illegal activities likely earned him adversaries, and it’s crucial to uncover all potential motives behind his death.
Dey was the founder of ‘Republic Andaman,’ a local news channel he operated for three years. His death underscores the challenges faced by journalists in remote regions, where reporting on illicit activities can lead to severe repercussions. The case remains under investigation, with authorities working to ascertain the full extent of the motives and individuals involved.
Reference –
https://www.andamansheekha.com/138497/
Indian Journalist Found Dead in Andaman Islands, PEC Demands Fair Investigation
