The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and journalists for press freedom, on Monday called on the Indian government to quickly investigate the death of journalist Sulabh Srivastava in Uttar Pradesh.
The ABP TV reporter was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Pratapgragh district on June 13. According to news reports, just a day before his death Srivastava had written to the local police seeking protection as he felt threatened following his recent reportage of liquor mafias in the district.
“Indian police should immediately open a thorough investigation into the death of Sulabh Srivastava, examining all possible angles,” IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said. “Given the context, the possibility that Sulabh Srivastava died as a result of foul play in connection with his journalistic work must be fully examined,” he said.
The police said that Srivastava died in a motorcycle accident. "Initial investigations have revealed he was alone on his bike and fell after his bike collided with a handpump by the road. We are investigating other angles too," Surendra Dwivedi, a senior police official in Pratapgarh, said in a statement.
The police said that Srivastava died in a motorcycle accident as he “fell from” the bike. However, the statement has been widely questioned and journalists’ associations are demanding a thorough and fast investigation into the death.
Shrivastava's wife, Renuka Shrivastava, has filed a police complaint over his death. She alleged that her husband had received threats to his life for the last three days, and that the police had taken no action despite being informed of the threats in writing.
On June 12, Srivastava had written a letter to the police seeking protection from the liquor mafia. He had said in the letter that he was under threat from the liquor mafia, who wanted to harm him or his family. His letter was posted on social media by a former colleague.
According to NDTV, the reporter was found lying on his face with several injuries and his clothes has been taken off.
