Journalist hacked to death in Prayagraj: Spotlight on press safety in India

A 54-year-old journalist, Laxmi Narayan Singh, also known as Pappu, was brutally hacked to death near a local hotel by unidentified assailants on Thursday evening. Singh, who was rushed to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in critical condition, succumbed to his injuries. He was the nephew of Ashok Singh, former president of the High Court Bar Association. Police are examining CCTV footage and have launched a manhunt to identify and apprehend the attackers.

While the exact motive behind Singh’s killing is yet to be determined, this incident reflects a growing pattern of violence against journalists in India, particularly those investigating corruption, political misconduct, or sensitive social issues.

A grim record: journalist deaths in India

Between 2005 and 2025, at least 56 journalists were killed in India, according to reports. Globally, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) documented 1,739 journalist killings from 1992 to 2025, highlighting the dangers reporters face worldwide. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported 104 journalists and media workers killed globally in 2024 alone, with conflict zones like Gaza contributing significantly to the toll. In India, many deaths are linked to investigative reporting on corruption, environmental issues, and land disputes, with nearly half of journalists killed since 2014 covering environment-related stories.

Notable cases illustrating the risks

• Gauri Lankesh (2017): Editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike , shot dead outside her Bengaluru home for criticizing right-wing extremism and challenging the policies of Karnataka state leaders.

• Mukesh Chandrakar (2025): Freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh found dead in a septic tank after exposing a road construction scam in Bijapur, implicating local officials and contractors.

• Jagendra Singh (2015): Facebook journalist reporting on illegal mining and corruption in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, including posts critical of Minister Rammurti Singh Verma, set on fire after receiving threats linked to his reporting.

• CH Naresh Kumar (2025): Hacked to death inside a car in Odisha’s Malkangiri district; he reported on local governance and corruption issues, including irregularities in public resource allocation.

• Dharmendra Singh Chauhan (2025): Shot dead in Haryana by unidentified assailants; he covered local political developments and administrative lapses in Jhajjar district.

• Salman Ali Khan (2024): Broadcast journalist in Madhya Pradesh, fatally shot outside a hospital; he reported on healthcare mismanagement and local corruption.

These cases reflect a grim reality: journalists exposing corruption, environmental degradation, or politically sensitive issues are at significant risk, and attacks often remain unresolved.

The reality for journalists in India

The situation for Indian journalists is more complex than isolated violent incidents. Beyond physical attacks, reporters frequently face harassment, intimidation, and legal challenges, including sedition and defamation charges, which are sometimes used to suppress investigative work. Many attacks remain unresolved, and investigations are often delayed or inconclusive, fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship.

Regional and local reporters are particularly vulnerable, often working without security, insurance, or institutional support. Even senior journalists covering national issues have faced targeted killings, showing that experience or prominence does not guarantee safety. Political interference, the influence of local power brokers, and organized crime further complicate accountability, allowing perpetrators to operate with relative impunity.

Experts warn that this growing culture of impunity not only endangers individual journalists but also weakens India’s democratic fabric. Investigative journalism, which exposes corruption, social injustice, and environmental degradation, is critical to transparency and accountability. Yet, the persistent threats have forced many reporters to limit their coverage or avoid controversial stories altogether.

Press freedom advocates urge the government to implement systemic reforms: special protection laws for journalists, rapid-response mechanisms for threats, and stringent punishment for attackers. Without such measures, the safety of media professionals in India will remain at significant risk, threatening the fundamental right to a free and independent press.

The murder of Laxmi Narayan Singh is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists across India. With at least 56 journalist deaths in the past two decades and countless others subjected to harassment and intimidation, the country faces a crisis in press safety. Strengthening protections, ensuring accountability, and fostering a culture that values investigative reporting are critical steps toward preserving both the safety of journalists and the democratic principles they defend.