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February 12, 2026 – India –
An eyewitness has testified in a Korba court this week in the long-running murder case of Salma Sultana, the Indian journalist who was fatally shot in 2018, as proceedings continue nearly eight years after the crime, local media reported. The testimony underscores the protracted legal process in the high-profile case and provides new details about the events surrounding Sultana’s death.
The court session on 13 February 2026 saw an eyewitness describe hearing a song being played immediately after Sultana was shot, a detail that defence lawyers for the accused later questioned. The testimony was heard in the Sessions Court in Korba, Chhattisgarh, where the trial has continued despite multiple delays and procedural hurdles over the years. Prosecutors say the account may help establish the sequence of events and behaviour of attackers at the crime scene.
Sultana, who reported on local crime, corruption, and civic issues, was ambushed and shot dead by unidentified gunmen while she was travelling for work in the Korba district on 13 February 2018. Her killing sent shockwaves through India’s journalistic community and highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by reporters covering sensitive local matters. Despite sustained public outcry, the investigation has been slow, and witnesses have often been reluctant to testify, contributing to the long duration of the trial.
The eyewitness’s account drew particular attention for its unusual detail that a song was allegedly played at the moment of or shortly after the shooting, a claim that defence lawyers sought to challenge in court. The prosecution, however, said it was presenting the testimony to provide a fuller picture of the circumstances of the murder and the conduct of the accused individuals.
Authorities have charged multiple suspects in connection with Sultana’s killing, but formal convictions have not yet been achieved, and the case has moved forward only incrementally. The prolonged trial has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates who argue that delays in judicial processes can amount to de facto impunity in crimes against journalists, especially in settings where threats to media workers remain an ongoing concern.
Colleagues and media organisations continue to follow the proceedings closely, emphasising the need for accountability in the murder of Sultana, whose work highlighted governance lapses and community issues. Supporters of the late journalist say swift and decisive judicial outcomes are essential not only for justice in this case but also to send a broader message about the protection of journalists in India.
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