Daijiworld Media Network – Pilibhit
Pilibhit, May 30: In a shocking and tragic turn of events, a local journalist and his wife from Barkheda, Pilibhit district, reportedly consumed poison on camera after alleging harassment by administrative officials and a contractor. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across Uttar Pradesh, came to light through a distressing video posted on social media.
The journalist, identified as Israr, accused Bisalpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nagendra Pandey, Barkheda Nagar Panchayat Chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal, and contractor Moin Hussain of persistent harassment. In the viral video, Israr claimed that the harassment began soon after he published a report highlighting alleged corruption in the Barkheda nagar panchayat. The report, according to him, had reached the Chief Minister's Office.
"Yogi ji, we are drinking poison and ending our lives. We need justice," Israr is heard saying in the heart-wrenching video. Moments later, he and his wife consumed the poison on camera.
Police officials from Barkheda rushed the couple to the district hospital. As per hospital sources, Israr is currently out of danger, while his wife remains in a critical condition.
Reacting to the video, SDM Nagendra Pandey denied all allegations, terming them "baseless." He further stated that he has directed the Barkheda Station House Officer (SHO) to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter.
Bisalpur Circle Officer Prateek Dahiya confirmed that the case is being examined from all angles. Meanwhile, Nagar Panchayat Chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal distanced himself from the controversy, stating, “I have no involvement in this incident. There may have been some misunderstanding involving the contractor.”
Contractor Moin Hussain offered a different version, alleging that Israr had visited one of his sites on May 18, demanding a bribe of Rs 15,000 and threatening negative media coverage if the demand was not met. Hussain claimed that Israr used abusive language and issued threats, prompting him to lodge a police complaint.
Family members of the couple have rejected the bribery allegation and reiterated that the couple was being falsely implicated and relentlessly harassed by the trio. They have demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against SDM Pandey, Bhojwal, and Hussain, asserting that justice must be served without delay.
As the case garners attention from across the state, calls for a fair and impartial probe are growing louder, with many demanding that journalists be protected from intimidation for performing their duties.