Criticism is the lifeblood of a democracy. Many politicians preach this statement, yet only some follow through. The dream of becoming a Vishvaguru and making India a developed nation will remain a dream if we don’t raise our voices against corruption across all levels of government. The suppression of free speech and the protection of corrupt civil servants and politicians by transferring them to different sectors have gone on for long enough.
Journalism exists to expose mistakes and malpractices within the government, hold those in power accountable, and inform the public with accurate, unbiased reporting. Their role extends beyond mere criticism—they also highlight societal issues, amplify marginalized voices, and provide context to complex events, ensuring a well-informed citizenry essential for a functioning democracy. However, mainstream media often prioritizes sensational debates over real issues, chasing ratings instead of holding power to account. The consequences of failing to protect press freedom are evident in the rising attacks on journalists across India.
Telaprolu Parameshwara Rao, a journalist from News Today, was assaulted and nearly killed by members of the Sand Mafia, believed to be associated with the ruling party of Andhra Pradesh ,YSRCP. They attempted to set him on fire while he was on professional duty in Amaravati Mandal.
Mannu Aswathi, a 25-year-old journalist, was reportedly shot at while riding a scooter under the jurisdiction of the Kotwal Police Station in Uttar Pradesh. He was taken to the district hospital and later moved to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur. A live and used cartridge was removed from his right shoulder. However, the police suspected that the cartridge did not match the injury.
A life-threatening attack was carried out on Uttarakhand-based journalist Yogesh Dimri, a freelance journalist who runs a small YouTube channel called Aanwala News. He was on the brink of exposing the liquor and drug mafia in his state and is known for his bold reporting on the Ankita Bhandari rape and murder case.
Another case buried beneath the money-hungry mainstream media is the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar. He was a freelance journalist on YouTube from Chhattisgarh and was at the forefront of exposing corruption in a ₹120 crore road construction project in Bijapur. He went missing on New Year’s, and his body was found two days later on January 3rd on his cousin Suresh Chandrakar’s property. His body had 15 head fractures, a broken neck, and a heart that had been ripped out
The safety of journalists is the backbone of a healthy democracy. If India aspires to be a Vishvaguru, it must first ensure that truth-seekers are protected, not persecuted. The suppression of critical voices is not just a threat to journalists—it is a threat to the very fabric of democracy.
Featured image is taken from Canva’s free media library.