KalimNews, New Delhi, March 10, 2025 : The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has joined its affiliate, Shramjivi Patrakar Union Uttar Pradesh, in condemning the brutal murder of local journalist and RTI activist Raghavendra Bajpai in Sitapur on March 8.
Bajpai, 35, a correspondent forDainik Jagran, the largest-circulated Hindi daily in Uttar Pradesh, was known for his fearless journalism. He was shot dead in broad daylight on the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district. According to reports, the attack was premeditated, with Bajpai being targeted in a planned assault.
Bajpai had reportedly earned enemies after exposing corruption related to rice procurement incentives and the theft of stamp duty papers. One of his colleagues, who had met Bajpai’s family the day before the attack, revealed that Bajpai had been threatened by a Lekhpal over his investigation into a fraudulent land sale. The Lekhpal allegedly threatened to run him over with a truck. Bajpai had discussed these threats with senior colleagues.
According to police sources, the assailants first rammed Bajpai’s bike before shooting him three times. The attack occurred at a low-visibility spot on the slope of an over-bridge, making it difficult for others to witness the crime. It is believed that the location was carefully selected as part of a premeditated plan. The attackers shot Bajpai in the face, and as he raised his hand to protect himself, the third bullet struck his hand. Initially, the incident was believed to be an accident, but upon examination by doctors at the district hospital, it was confirmed as a case of murder due to bullet wounds.
Bajpai had left home around noon after receiving a phone call. The attack took place around 3:15 pm, and he died at the scene. The victim becomes the 26th journalist killed globally since January 1, 2025.
As of now, the Uttar Pradesh police have arrested four Revenue Inspectors and two others on suspicion of involvement in the journalist’s murder. Sources within the union suggest that Bajpai had published a series of investigative reports exposing a land scam involving certain revenue inspectors in the Uttar Pradesh government.
In response to the tragic incident, IJU has demanded adequate compensation for Bajpai’s family and urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of journalists in the state, allowing them to carry out their duties without fear.
In a joint statement, IJU President and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak, and IJU Secretary General and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Sabina Inderjit, emphasized the need for exemplary punishment for the killers. The IJU leaders also expressed deep concern about the deteriorating press freedom situation and the rising media rights violations in Uttar Pradesh, both by state and non-state actors.
IJU stands firm in its demand for justice and accountability in the killing of Raghavendra Bajpai, calling for a swift and thorough investigation into the crime.
