On March 8, 2025, journalist and Right to Information (RTI) activist Raghvendra Bajpai was murdered in broad daylight in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district. Bajpai, a correspondent with Hindi daily Dainik Jagran, was travelling on the Sitapur-Delhi National Highway near Maholi town when two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle intercepted him, rammed his vehicle, and shot him multiple times in the upper abdomen from close range. A jeep was also spotted trailing him moments before his killing, raising suspicions of a premeditated attack. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The circumstances leading to his murder
Bajpai’s murder is suspected to be linked to his investigative reporting on alleged irregularities in paddy procurement and stamp duty evasion in land transactions. His recent reports had exposed corruption in government dealings, leading to the suspension of four local administrative officials. His family firmly believes that these exposés made him a target, though the police have not ruled out a personal enmity angle. Bajpai had been working as a journalist for nearly a decade and was known for his fearless reporting on corruption in land and agricultural transactions.
Despite the clear suspicions regarding his reporting, police initially downplayed the possibility of threats against him. The Sitapur police suggested that his murder might be related to a land dispute, as Bajpai had reportedly raised concerns over the improper formalities in a recent land transaction. However, his wife, Rashmi Bajpai, lodged an FIR against unidentified persons, alleging that her husband’s movements had been closely monitored before the attack. She suspects that those angered by his journalism orchestrated the killing and has demanded a high-level investigation.
The FIR also highlights that Bajpai had been investigating multiple cases of corruption in land records and procurement scams, which had angered several influential figures in the district.
Rashmi Bajpai, speaking to reporters, accused the authorities of negligence in ensuring her husband’s safety despite his repeated concerns. She demanded immediate arrests and called for a CBI probe into the case. “My husband was killed because he exposed the truth. He was fearless, and that made him a threat to those in power. If justice is not delivered, it will only embolden those who want to silence journalists,” she stated.
Investigation and arrests
Following the murder, police launched a probe, forming multiple teams to track down the assailants. CCTV footage from the crime scene showed the attackers following Bajpai before executing the attack. His phone has been sent for forensic analysis, and police are scrutinising his recent call records to identify potential leads.
As of now, at least 12 people have been detained for questioning, including three lekhpals (local revenue officers) and one retired army personnel. Among those questioned is Anish Dwivedi, president of the Lekhpal Sangh, hinting at a possible link between Bajpai’s reporting and his murder. While some of those detained were in touch with Bajpai in the weeks leading up to his death, no concrete arrests have been made yet.
Political reactions and public outrage
Bajpai’s murder has ignited political controversy, with opposition parties criticising the Uttar Pradesh government for failing to protect journalists. State Congress chief Ajay Rai condemned the killing, calling it a “shameful act” and a glaring example of lawlessness under the BJP-led state government. He accused the government of suppressing press freedom and demanded a compensation of ₹1 crore for Bajpai’s family, along with a government job for his wife. Rai also warned of state-wide protests if justice was not swiftly delivered.
Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) MLA Pallavi Patel also slammed the government, stating that Bajpai was “silenced” for exposing corruption. She demanded a fair and transparent probe into the murder, warning that her party would take to the streets if the family’s demands were not met. The BJP, on the other hand, has promised strict action against the perpetrators. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured that all those involved would be arrested and tried in a fast-track court. BJP national vice-president Rekha Verma visited Bajpai’s family, vowing justice and financial aid.
Tensions flared between the journalist’s family and local police on March 9 when his relatives initially refused to perform the last rites until the killers were arrested and a job was provided to a family member. In protest, the family placed Bajpai’s body on the highway, leading to a confrontation with police officers. Eventually, district officials persuaded them to proceed with the cremation by assuring them that their demands would be forwarded to the state government. His father, Mahendra Nath Bajpai, performed the last rites as Bajpai’s 10-year-old son was unable to do so due to the trauma.
The broader issue of press freedom and journalist safety
Bajpai’s assassination has sparked widespread outrage among journalist associations across India. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), and the National Union of Journalists – India (NUJ-I) have strongly condemned the killing, calling for an urgent and thorough investigation. The IJU described the murder as a direct attack on press freedom and expressed concerns over the rising threats faced by journalists in Uttar Pradesh. NUJ-I President Ras Bihari reiterated the demand for financial assistance of ₹1 crore for Bajpai’s family and warned that his murder highlighted the increasing dangers faced by reporters exposing government irregularities. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger stated that Bajpai’s death was a tragedy and called on the authorities to ensure the perpetrators were brought to justice without impunity.
Bajpai’s killing is a chilling reminder of the perils faced by journalists who dare to expose corruption. India has witnessed a worrying trend of journalists being attacked, threatened, or even killed for their work, particularly in states where government accountability is weak. Uttar Pradesh, in particular, has seen several such incidents in recent years, raising concerns over media rights violations and the safety of independent reporters. If the murder of Bajpai is not met with swift and decisive action, it will further embolden those who seek to silence the press through violence. Even as Bajpai’s family, colleagues, and supporters continue to demand justice, the present case not only highlights the vulnerability of journalists in India but also raises critical questions about the government’s commitment to press freedom and the rule of law. If journalists are not safe, the very foundation of democracy is at risk.
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