Indian Journalist Raghvendra Bajpai Killed After Threatening to Expose Temple Priest’s Crimes

On April 10, 2025, journalist and Right to Information (RTI) activist Raghvendra Bajpai was shot dead in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. Bajpai, a correspondent for the Hindi daily Dainik Jagran, was ambushed while crossing the Hempur railway overbridge along the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway. His assassination was the result of a murder plot allegedly orchestrated by a local temple priest, Vikas Rathore, also known as Shivanand Baba.

According to police investigations, Bajpai had threatened to expose Rathore after witnessing him sexually assaulting a minor boy at his temple. Fearing public scandal and legal consequences, Rathore hired two contract killers through intermediaries—Nirmal Singh and Aslam Ghazi. The priest reportedly paid ₹4 lakh for the killing. While the main conspirators have been arrested, the hired shooters remain at large.

Bajpai was known for his bold reporting, especially on land and agricultural scams. He had recently been investigating irregularities in rice paddy sales and other land disputes in the region. His family believes that this work, along with his plans to expose Rathore’s crimes, made him a target.

The killing has drawn widespread condemnation from national and international press freedom organizations. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), and the National Union of Journalists – India (NUJ-I) have called for a thorough investigation. They stressed the need for urgent protective measures for journalists working in high-risk areas.

This case underscores the growing threats faced by journalists in India, especially those operating in rural regions where local power structures often operate unchecked. Bajpai’s murder is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of violence against journalists who challenge corruption, expose abuse, or speak out against powerful figures.

Advocates have urged Indian authorities to act swiftly to bring all perpetrators to justice and to implement stronger protections for journalists. Raghvendra Bajpai’s death is a tragic reminder of the cost many reporters pay in the pursuit of truth.