Madhya Pradesh journalist mowed down by truck: Rajyavardhan Rathore demands proper probe

New Delhi: Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Monday said the Madhya Pradesh government should probe the death of a journalist who was mowed down by a truck in the state.

The 35-year-old journalist Sandeep Sharma was run over by the truck which is used to ferry sand, officials said.

Responding to the incident, the MoS for I&B said the state government is responsible for the law and order and it should take action after carrying out proper investigation in to the matter.

“The responsibility of journalists is to expose the truth. This is not just a profession but a way of living with principles,” he said.

“There should be an investigation into the incident. The state government which is responsible for law and order should take action. Journalists do a job of great responsibility and their safety must be ensured,” he said.

Sharma, who worked for a local news channel, had told the Bhind district administration he feared for his life after he carried out a sting against the sand mafia in the state, his nephew, Vikas Purohit, said in a complaint to the police.

“Sandeep had petitioned the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector General (IG), Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Human Rights Commission stating that he feared for his life and had demanded security,” Purohit said.

In his report to the top officials, Sharma had said because of the sting operation against the sand mafia and the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the officer was transferred, Purohit claimed.