Press bodies express concern over FIR lodged against Ajit Anjum-OxBig News Network

The Press Club of India (PCI) and the Indian Women’s Press Corps have expressed concern over the lodging of a first information report against journalist Ajit Anjum in connection with his coverage of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The press bodies said the case pertains to his YouTube channel showing the revision process being undertaken in Begusarai district. “Reporting facts is the primary and foremost duty of any journalist, and it certainly does not come under the category of spreading misinformation,” they said.

“Instead of issuing a clarification, the administration chose legal recourse, resulting in the lodging of an FIR against the journalist. Lodging a case against him raises serious questions about the freedom of the press and mounting challenges to free expression in a democratic set up,” said the press bodies, urging the authorities to ensure that Mr. Anjum’s rights as a journalist and a citizen were protected.

In another letter, PCI condemned the physical assault on Sneha Barwe, founder editor of Samarth Bharat and the SBP YouTube channel, on July 4 while documenting “illegal riverbed construction” in Pune’s Manchar. Bystanders who came to her aid were also beaten. Among the suspects is said to be a history-sheeter who runs two liquor bars in the area, is named in a murder case, and has often been accused of encroachment.

The PCI has urged the State government and local authorities to ensure that action is taken against the assailants.