Outrage over the deadly attack on journalist Sushil Thorat—demand for the imposition of MCOCA against the attackers.
The Indian Journalists Association, Ahilyanagar, has demanded strict action from the Superintendent of Police.
The alleged deadly attack on journalist Sushil Thorat and his son, Sarthak Thorat, in Ahilyanagar city has sparked outrage among the journalistic community. In response to the incident, which occurred in front of HDFC Bank on Pipeline Road, the Indian Journalist Association, Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), led by District President Syed Nisar, submitted a memorandum to the District Superintendent of Police, demanding strict legal action against the attackers and, given their criminal records, action under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).
The organization alleges that some individuals were angry with journalist Sushil Thorat for reporting on alleged illegal activities and were looking for an opportunity to attack him. According to the organization, a dispute over the dash of a four-wheeler on the evening of August 20th escalated into a violent incident, leading to the attack on the journalist and his son. The petition alleges that the attackers used intimidating language, including death threats.
Indian Journalist Association Ahilyanagar District President Syed Nisar reacted strongly to the incident, stating that journalists work to expose crime and illegal activities in society. If a journalist is targeted because of their reporting or journalism, it is a very serious matter. He said, "An attack on a journalist is not just an attack on an individual, but an attempt to undermine independent journalism and the democratic system. The government and police administration must ensure the safety of journalists so that they can fearlessly perform their duties."
District Vice President Farhan Shaikh stated that the Indian Journalist Association will not remain silent in the face of harassment, assault, and threats against journalists. He demanded that the police administration conduct an impartial and effective investigation into the attack on journalist Sushil Thorat and take strict action against the culprits as per the law.
District General Secretary Syed Ansar said, "Sushil Thorat was attacked today; tomorrow another journalist could be targeted. Therefore, this incident should not be dismissed as a simple assault. The accused's past criminal records should also be investigated, and if they are found to be involved in organized crime, action should be taken under the relevant stringent laws."
District Media Incharge Suraj Gaware said that journalists have the right to work in a fear-free environment. It is a journalist's duty to report against crime and corruption. Attempts to silence journalists by threatening or attacking them are unacceptable under any circumstances.
District Organization Secretary Gorakh Dahiphale demanded that the Maharashtra government and police administration ensure prompt action, effective investigation, and strict legal action against the culprits in matters related to journalist safety.
District Secretary Arshid Syed said that the organization will continue to fight for the safety of journalists at every level and, if necessary, will raise this matter with the relevant higher authorities.
The Indian Journalists Association has demanded that the Superintendent of Police gather information about the previous criminal cases of the accused in the case and conduct a thorough investigation. The organization states that if the accused are found to have links to organized crime, action should be taken under the stringent provisions of the law.
The organization specifically demanded that the possibility of action under the MCOCA be examined. The final decision on invoking MCOCA will be made by the competent authority based on the facts revealed in the investigation, the criminal records of the accused, and the conditions set out in the law.
The organization stated that the increasing attacks on journalists indicate a serious threat to journalism. If journalists are targeted for publishing news against criminals, it will send a wrong message to society.
The Indian Journalist Association demanded that the police administration ensure the safety of journalist Sushil Thorat and his family and that no pressure be accepted in the investigation of the case.
During the memorandum given to the Superintendent of Police, the office bearers and members of the organization including District President of Indian Journalist Association Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) Naseer Syed, District Vice President Farhan Shaikh, District General Secretary Ansar Syed, District Secretary Arshid Syed, District Organization Secretary Gorakh Dahiphale, District Media Incharge Suraj Gaware, Council Member Zia Syed, Council Member Kiran Kamble and Council Member Shahbaz Syed were present.
The organization reiterated that the Indian Journalist Association will stand with the journalists in every situation to protect their safety and independent journalism. The organization has expressed hope from the police administration for quick and strict action in the matter.
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