Journalist Vikram Joshi Dies In Vikram Joshi, a journalist from Uttar Pradesh, who was shot in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, died on the morning of the 22nd of July.
Journalsit Vikram Joshi was shot by unidentified men on the night of the 21st of July, when he was returning to home.
According to sources, Around 10:30 P.M., a group of men assaulted Mr. Joshi, when he was returning home with daughters on a motorcycle.
The group later opened fire at Mr. Joshi in front of his daughters and left the spot.
The Ghaziabad police arrested nine people accused of the attack and suspended two policemen.
Kalanidhi Naithani, the Senior Superintendent of Police of Ghaziabad, said, “Nine people have been arrested including two main accused – Ravi and Chotu. A weapon was also seized from their possession.”
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Government announced Rs. 10 lakh ex gratia for the family.
According to sources, days before the attack, Vikram Joshi complained to the police about his niece being harassed by a group of men.
The family claimed the negligence of the police to be the reason behind the attack.
In a CCTV footage in the area, the group of men surround the bike, drag the journalist off it and hit him. His two daughters can be seen running in panic. The group of attackers can be seen dragging Vikram Joshi towards a car and thrashing him before running away from the spot.
The demise of the journalist due to the alleged negligence of the Ghaziabad police drew a lot of criticism from opposition parties and leaders.
Rahul Gandhi, the former President of the Indian National Congress (INC) took to Twitter and said, “Vikram Joshi was killed because he protested against his niece’s harassment. Condolences to the bereaved family. They promised Ram Rajya and delivered Goondaraj.”
Another opposition leader Mayawati, the President of the Bahujan Samaj Party said, “Across the state of Uttar Pradesh, the way killings, crimes against women are on a rise, it makes it clear that the law of jungle is prevailing in the state. More than coronavirus, people have become vulnerable as the virus of crime spreads. The Government should pay heed.”
Ms. Mayawati further said, “The BSP demands that the grieving family should get the compensation – promised by the state government – at the earliest. It will be better if the family doesn’t have to run from pillar to post to get the compensation.”
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal also condemned the death of Journalist Vikram Joshi and said, “My heartfelt condolences to the family of Vikram Joshi, a fearless journalist who passed away today. He was shot in UP for filing an FIR to book his niece’s molesters. An atmosphere of fear has has been created in the country. Voices being muzzled. Media not spared. Shocking (sic.)”
Meanwhile, the family is protesting against the Ghaziabad police demanding justice for the death of Vikram Joshi.
The Uttar Pradesh police launched a case and are investigating the matter.
Stay tuned for further updates.
