Suo Motu Action by NHRC After Journalist Attacked in Nabarangpur for Seeking Justice
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Delhi, Sep,3,2025-The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken Suo motu cognizance of a disturbing media report concerning a violent attack on a journalist in Odisha. According to the report, the incident occurred on 29th August 2025 in the Papadahandi area of Naba rangpur district, where a journalist was brutally assaulted and sustained multiple stab wounds.
NHRC Chairman Justice V. Ramasubramanaian has taken an initiative and asked the DGP Odhissa to submit trhe report
The alleged assailant, reportedly a drug addict, is said to have targeted the journalist in retaliation for a complaint the latter had filed against him. The journalist was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.
In response to the incident, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has asked for a comprehensive update on the action taken by law enforcement authorities, the current medical status of the victim, and steps being initiated to ensure the safety of journalists in the region.
The NHRC emphasized the gravity of the matter, noting that any attack on a journalist is not only a violation of individual human rights but also poses a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability. The Commission has underscored the State’s responsibility to protect journalists and uphold the rule of law.
The incident has sparked concern among media organizations and civil society groups, who have called for swift justice and stronger safeguards for media personnel, especially those working in remote and vulnerable regions.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Odisha, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of the investigation as well as the health condition of the injured journalist.
According to the media report, carried on 30th August, 2025, the incident has sparked outrage among journalists and residents of the area.
