Journalist shot in-front-of daughters in UP’s Ghaziabad passes away

A journalist from Uttar Pradesh, who was shot at in Ghaziabad near Delhi on July 20^th, 2020 night in front of his two daughters, died on July 22^nd, 2020 morning at a hospital.

The shocking attack on journalist Vikram Joshi near his home, which was captured on a CCTV footage, has triggered sharp reactions from several opposition leaders. While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Yogi Adityanath government over "goondaraj" said "people have become vulnerable as the virus of crime spreads".

He was travelling on a motorcycle with his two daughters when a group of men assaulted him and opened fire at him at around 10:30 PM. He was taken to a nearby hospital where his condition was said to be critical.

Nine accused have been arrested so far in the case; one man is still on run, officials said. Two policemen have been suspended.

Also read: Assam: COVID-19 positivity rate increases by 4.2% within 24

A compensation of Rs 10 lakh was announced by the state government after the family and several journalists held a sit-in outside the hospital this morning, refusing to allow the officials concerned to take Vikram Joshi's body for post-mortem.

Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati tweeted, “Across the state of Uttar Pradesh, the way killings, crimes against women are on a rise, it makes it clear that that the law of jungle is prevailing in the state. More than coronavirus, people have become vulnerable as the virus of crime spreads. The government should pay heed.” The tweet was in Hindi. 

West Bengal Chief Miinister Mamata Banerjee tweeted "My heartfelt condolences to the family of Vikram Joshi, a fearless journalist who passed away today. He was shot in UP for filing an FIR to book his niece's molesters. An atmosphere of fear has has been created in the country. Voices being muzzled. Media not spared. Shocking (sic),"

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