Journalist Pramod Dalakoti was attacked and robbed while covering a clash between rival student union groups outside MBPG College in Halwandi, Uttarakhand on September 28. Credit: Linkedin

On September 28, Hindustan reporter Pramod Dalakoti was reportedly assaulted and robbed while covering a clash between rival student union leaders associated with the Parivartan Kami Chhatra Sangathan (Pachas) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)at the entrance of the Motiram Baburam Govt. Post Graduate (MBPG) College in Halwandi, Uttarakhand. Pachas and ABVP are opponents in the upcoming student union elections at the institution.

Dalakoti was reportedly beaten and had his glasses and other belongings stolen while attempting to record a video of the clash. The following day, he filed a complaint at a police station in Haldwani, leading to a case being registered against four students. Two suspects, Kartik Bora and Pankaj Khatri, have been apprehended, while authorities are still searching for the other two individuals involved. Nitin Lohani, Haldwani Police Circle Officer, stated that a thorough investigation is underway, and further action will be taken based on its findings.

The following day, on September 29, students from ABVP protested outside the Kotwali police station against the registered case of assault and robbery involving the journalist. They blocked the highway, demanding the withdrawal of the case.

The Unit Secretary of Pachas organised the event to honour freedom fighter Bhagat Singh by offering flowers at his statue near the main gate of the college. Around noon, an officer from the rival student union and another student leader approached the group and began harassing them. Members of Pachas were reportedly beaten and chased off the campus.

The IJU said: “IJU condemns the attack on Dalakoti for covering news. IJU reiterates that no journalist should be assaulted for covering news, be it a clash between two groups, communal violence, or any other event. IJU demands an inquiry into the incident of the assault and the punishment for the assailants.”

The NUJ-I said: “NUJ-I strongly condemns the recent incident and such acts of violence against journalists cannot be tolerated and called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victims. Those responsible for these heinous acts must be brought to justice to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.”

The IFJ said: “Authorities must safeguard the safety of journalists and media workers covering clashes. Any assault, robbery, or other attack must be thoroughly and promptly investigated to protect the rights of those who uphold democracy through independent journalism.”