The vicious assault on journalist Ranjit Singh Gill at the Faksar Theri grain market represents a shocking attack on press freedom and human dignity. While performing his professional duty to investigate allegations of illegal paddy imports, Mr. Gill was subjected to a barbaric mob attack by Arthiyas and their associates that included physical violence, sexual assault, death threats, and the public humiliation of having his turban removed—a particularly grievous offense against Sikh religious identity.
This premeditated violence appears designed to silence journalistic scrutiny of illegal activities. The involvement of individuals allegedly connected to Minister Baljit Kaur raises serious questions about political protection of criminal elements and obstruction of honest reporting. That weapons were brandished and lethal threats made demonstrates the attackers’ sense of impunity.
Equally condemnable is the reported failure of police to respond for over three hours following the 2:30 pm attack. This dereliction of duty suggests either incompetence or, more troublingly, deliberate complicity in protecting the perpetrators.
We demand immediate action: the arrest and prosecution of all involved in this assault, investigation into any political interference that may have emboldened these criminals, and accountability for police inaction. Press freedom is fundamental to democracy, and attacks on journalists who expose corruption cannot be tolerated. Mr. Gill deserves justice, and society deserves protection for those who speak truth to power.