MP Journalist investigating sand mafia killed by truck: State CM demands strict action

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Representational Image
Representational Image

Madhya Pradesh : A Madhya Pradesh journalist was mowed down by a speeding dumper truck under mysterious circumstances on Monday morning. The journalist was investigating illegal sand mining cases in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh. Following the incident, the state’s chief minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Monday said that the security of journalists was government’s priority and strict action would be taken against the culprit.

Journalist Sandeep Sharma was 35-year-old and was working with a national news channel. The fearless man brought a threat to his life when he filed a complaint of accusing the police officer connection with the sand mafia. He brought forward a ‘sting operation’ against the latter.

For long time, Sandeep Sharma has been investigating the nexus between the sand mining mafia and the police. An audio conversation of the officer in question was aired by his channel after which the officer was transferred, sources said.

On Monday morning, Sharma who was riding his two-wheeler when suddenly, a dumper truck came from behind and run over him and killed him on the spot.  The incident spot is situated a few meters away from the Kotwali police station at 8.55am. Police cordoned off the area and efforts were made to arrest the dumper driver. CCTV footage of the area was also being scanned. Sources confirmed that police have formed an SIT team to probe the death

The ANI news agency has taken social media account to post the CCTV footage of moment when Journalist Sandeep Sharma was run over by a truck in Bhind.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia also reacted strongly. “He was killed in broad daylight. Nothing less than a CBI inquiry should be done. Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and that is being crushed under BJP's rule.”

Further, it has been reported that police took some time to respond to the incident. They arrived at the scene after 15 to 20 minutes although the spot was just a few meters from the police station. The Journalist death has triggered panic among other journalists in the Madhya Pradesh. Bhind Press Club president Sathyanarayan Sharma said Sharma’s death was highly suspicious and should be probed thoroughly. He mentioned “He was a brave journalist and had filed stories against mining mafias. He was facing threat from a police officer whom he had exposed a few months ago and had submitted a complaint to the SP citing threat to his life. Fact that the dumper was empty also give rise to suspicion.” 

Sharma left behind him his wife and two children aged 14 and 15 years.