When the shocking murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar came to light, the incident reopened a floodgate of pressing questions that many would prefer to ignore. Are independent journalists truly safe in India, a country that prides itself on its democratic values and freedom of expression? A broad and impartial agreement would lean towards a no.
But what exactly is happening in the country now? The situation is more dire than many would like to admit. Those who dare to speak truth to power often find themselves silenced, sometimes with terrifying consequences, under the cover of darkness.
In recent years, the country has witnessed a disturbing increase in violence and intimidation against journalists, particularly those who expose corruption, question powerful figures, or cover sensitive issues like environmental degradation and human rights violations. Over the past decade, a number of journalists have tragically lost their lives in such pursuits. These grim statistics highlight a disturbing trend: the erosion of press freedom in the nation. Press freedom refers to journalists' ability to report on matters of public interest without hindrance. India currently ranks 159 out of 180 countries on the Global Press Freedom Index, which annually evaluates each nation's record on press freedom from the previous year.

While it's true that the Global Press Freedom Index can be influenced by various factors like legal frameworks and cultural attitudes, it's essential to recognize that journalist safety is still a critical component of press freedom. Legal protections for journalists may exist on paper, but if these laws are not effectively enforced, or if there is a prevailing culture of impunity surrounding attacks and threats against journalists, it undermines their ability to work safely, independently, and without fear.
Why is this situation so concerning? Because the country now finds itself just a few points above authoritarian regimes like North Korea in this category. This stark comparison should be enough to raise eyebrows and ignite a conversation about our democratic values. In countries where journalists are harassed, abducted, assaulted, or even killed, these incidents often go unpunished or are met with minimal accountability, which sends a message that such attacks are tolerated, if not implicitly condoned.
This lack of justice not only discourages investigative journalism but also silences voices that play a vital role in holding those in power accountable. In a society where media professionals are constantly under threat, the free flow of information is significantly compromised, and democracy itself is weakened. While laws might promise protection, the absence of meaningful enforcement or political will to tackle the issue creates an environment where journalists feel vulnerable and unsafe. Whether through physical violence, online harassment, or legal intimidation, these attacks have far-reaching consequences, often discouraging journalists from pursuing critical stories or speaking truth to power.
Ultimately, the culture of impunity makes it clear that journalists’ safety is not prioritized, and this directly impacts their ability to carry out their work and contribute to an informed, democratic society. In such an environment, the foundation of press freedom itself is at risk.
The recent assassination of Mukesh Chandrakar, an independent journalist who exposed a corruption racket in Chhattisgarh, underscores the perilous landscape faced by the country's investigative reporters. Chandrakar's death, occurring mere days after his revelations, emphasizes the critical challenges surrounding media freedom and the safety of journalists in environments where corruption thrives.
Critics who argue that the coverage of journalists' deaths sensationalizes the issue are missing the broader implications of these events. While it's vital to celebrate the contributions of journalists actively working toward press freedom in the country, acknowledging and addressing the risks they face is equally important. Highlighting these dangers is not about overshadowing positive efforts; it's about raising awareness of the environment in which journalists operate.
Source: The Caravan
This incident reignites an urgent discourse on the systemic vulnerabilities of independent journalism, which struggles not only with limited financial resources and broadcasting constraints but also with existential threats from powerful entities. The chilling effect of such violence serves to deter journalistic scrutiny and stifles the essential role of media as a watchdog in democratic societies like ours.
Lastly, by bringing attention to these issues, we can foster a more conducive atmosphere for press freedom and ensure that the struggles and sacrifices of those in the field are recognized. As passive consumers of news, we must confront our complicity in perpetuating this cycle of silence and repression.
Click here for a deeper insight into the current media landscape and the real-time reported abuse against journalists in the country.

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