Probe sought over journalist’s killing in Madhya Pradesh

(Feb. 22, 2012) Media and political groups in central India’s Madhya Pradesh are seeking a high level probe into the murder of a journalist and his family. They say the killings could be linked to the journalist’s outspoken views on illegal mining in the state. Police found the bodies of freelance journalist Chandrika Rai, aged 42, his wife and two children in their home in the town of Umaria on Sunday. The state government on Tuesday set up a special investigation team to look into the killings. State Home Minister Uma Shankar Gupta said the government is serious about bringing those behind the brutal murders to justice. However, Ajay Singh, the opposition leader in the Madhya Pradesh legislative assembly, on Wednesday accused the government of dragging its feet over the investigation. “Law and order in this state has deteriorated to such an extent that even a journalist is not safe,” Singh said. He added that his Congress Party would raise the matter in the assembly and press for an investigation into whether the pro-illegal mining lobby had a role in the killings. According to Singh, Rai’s reports had incurred the wrath of the “very powerful” mining mafia. Singh demanded the government hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the country’s top investigative agency, a demand echoed by the Madhya Pradesh Media Union. The media group expressing shock at the killings, staged a protest on Monday. The media also condemned Gupta’s reported comment that such incidents are normal occurrences and that police could do nothing about it. Meanwhile, the slain journalist’s relatives have expressed dismay at the police’s progress in the case and offered a cash reward of 200,000 rupees (US$4,000) to anyone who can help catch the killers.