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Sanjay Sharma, a leading legal rights activist of the country, has demanded
immediate
judicial intervention and ensuring the safety of journalists from the Uttar Pradesh government in the case of the suspicious death of senior journalist Dilip Sinha
. Sanjay Sharma has sent several RTI applications and complaints to various departments of the state,
calling the case “clearly a case of murder” and
has demanded an investigation into the blackmailing gangs operating against journalists.
Main demands raised by Sanjay Sharma
1. Register an FIR and conduct a fair investigation
An FIR should be immediately registered in the case of Dilip Sinha’s death under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, conspiracy and provocation.
Certified copies of the registered FIR, investigating officer and investigation report
should be made public. A thorough investigation should be conducted based on
CCTV footage, bus route records, driver duty chart and forensic
evidence to find out whether this accident was pre-planned or
not.
2. Formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT)
A high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be formed to investigate all the pending complaints made by Dilip Sinha .
The SIT
should be given the power to fairly investigate and prosecute all the named persons and the masterminds of the blackmailing gang.
3. Strict action against blackmailing gangs
Immediate legal action should be taken against the blackmailers and their leaders who defamed and harassed
Dilip Sinha and other journalists through false complaints and social media campaigns. The culprits should be prosecuted under the BNS and IT Acts for blackmailing, criminal intimidation, defamation and conspiracy.
4. Compensation and assistance to the family of the deceased journalist
The family of the late Dilip Sinha
should be given a compensation of ₹5 crore (five crore rupees) in view of his journalistic service and the loss suffered by the family.
One member of the family should be provided a government job and security cover.
5. Concrete steps for the safety of journalists
Effective steps should be taken to ensure the safety and dignity of journalists
, especially those who
are victims of threats, blackmailing or targeted violence. Strict action should be taken
against individuals and gangs who undermine press freedom .
Background: The Dilip Sinha case
Senior journalist Dilip Sinha died when his scooty
was hit by a speeding UPSRTC bus near Lohia Path, Jiyamau. The bus driver
fled from the spot. Dilip Sinha
was found with only a pen and press card, which was a symbol of his dedication to journalism. He was recently
preparing to launch a digital platform.
This incident has caused a wave of grief and anger in the journalism world. Dilip Sinha had
earlier lodged several complaints against blackmailing gangs, on which
no concrete action has been taken so far. It is alleged that these gangs conspired to cancel the press accreditation of hundreds of
senior and female journalists and
defame them on social media.
Still unanswered questions
Several serious questions have been raised in Sanjay Sharma’s complaints:
Was the bus on the scheduled route and who was its driver?
What did the CCTV footage reveal?
How did the bus driver escape in a high security zone?
What action was taken on previous complaints of blackmailing and harassment?
Official submissions and legal initiatives
Sanjay Sharma to the concerned departments:
By sending RTI application, information has been sought about FIR, investigation report and action taken.
By sending complaints to Director General of Police and Chief Secretary, demand has been made to register FIR,
form SIT and give compensation.
Application has been given to the Department of Information and Public Relations for SIT investigation of pending cases.
conclusion
Sanjay Sharma’s initiative shows that there
is an urgent need for protection of journalists, transparent investigation and strict action against the culprits. The demands of forming an SIT,
strict action against blackmailers and compensation to the family of the deceased journalist
are not only a cry for justice but
also a need to protect press freedom.
This matter has become a turning point for the safety and freedom of journalism in the state , on which the whole state has its eyes fixed
