Journalists Killed in 2016 - Motive Unconfirmed: Akhilesh Pratap
| Publisher | Committee to Protect Journalists |
| Publication Date | 31 December 2016 |
| Cite as | Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2016 - Motive Unconfirmed: Akhilesh Pratap, 31 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/586e0452a.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Akhilesh Pratap
Taaza TV
May 12, 2016, in Chatra, Jharkhand, India
Akhilesh Pratap, a district correspondent for the regional Hindi language news channel Taaza TV in Chatra, Jharkhand state, was returning home on his motorcycle at night when unidentified gunmen shot him three times, before fleeing, according to local media reports. Pratap, better known locally as Indra Dev, died before reaching the hospital. He was known locally for his critical reporting on corruption in the implementation of government projects in the region and had also worked for print outlets in the past, according to a statement by Human Rights Defenders Alert, a Chennai-based human rights organization.
The motive behind Pratap's killing was not immediately clear. Local police Deputy Inspector General Upendra Prasad told reporters: "We have formed at least three teams to unravel the incident. The forensic team has also visited the spot."
A few days following the killing, police said they arrested two men after they were able to identify the gunmen on the basis of CCTV footage, reports said. A preliminary investigation by police found that Pratap, in addition his journalism, also worked as a contractor on rural electricity projects, reports said. Police believed a dispute in connection to his contract work may have been the motive behind his murder, reports said.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das of Jharkhand state announced compensation of Rs. 500, 000 (US $7500) for the family, according to press reports.
Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.
