Journalist Raghvendra Vajpayee Murdered for Exposing Government Scam and Corruption, Media Workers Protest

Journalist organisations across the state have strongly condemned the murder of Raghvendra Vajpayee.

Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh (VOM Desk): Dainik Jagran journalist Raghavendra Vajpayee was killed in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh because of his reporting. Actually, Raghavendra had done several continuous reports on the irregularities in the paddy procurement center and stamp duty theft in land purchase, in which the involvement of many people was revealed. The journalist had also raised questions on the slow progress of investigation and lack of action in the paddy procurement and stamp theft case.

Raghavendra had exposed the irregularities in paddy procurement and said that the Lekhpals had verified the paddy crop in another circle. Paddy verification was shown in the name of those who did not have land. Paddy was shown in the field where sugarcane survey was done. Paddy worth lakhs of rupees was sold and paid. In this case, the SDM had issued notices to several Lekhpals and sought clarification. The investigation was handed over to the Tehsildar. Its investigation was still going on.

Obviously, the corrupt people of the area were facing problems due to Raghavendra's courageous reporting. It is being told that he was threatened with death due to his reporting, but he remained steadfast in his work. His reports published in Dainik Jagran had a wide impact. As a result, he became the target of some people. At present, the needle of suspicion regarding Raghavendra's murder is turning towards the paddy purchasing middlemen.

There is tremendous anger among journalists across the state regarding the journalist Raghavendra Vajpayee murder case. Journalist organizations across the state have strongly condemned this incident and demanded immediate action from the administration. Journalists have clearly said that if justice is not given soon, they will protest on a large scale.

Journalist Raghavendra Vajpayee was shot dead on March 8, 205 on the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway in Sitapur district. The attackers first hit the journalist's bike, then fired several rounds at him and fled from the spot. Raghavendra had gone to Sitapur by bike on the afternoon of the incident, from where he was returning to his home in Maholi, when he was attacked.

The post-mortem report has confirmed that four bullets hit Raghavendra. In this, 315 bore and 311 bore bullets were used. The incident was carried out in a planned manner. The miscreants shot four bullets so that he would not survive. The way the bullets were fired, points towards the style of professional criminals.

CCTV footage of some time before journalist Raghavendra was shot on the highway has also surfaced. At 2:52 pm, Raghavendra is seen going on a bike. After about 18-20 seconds, the shooters sitting on the bike are seen chasing the journalist, who are wearing handkerchiefs on their mouths. A black Thar was also running behind the criminals. It is believed that these criminals riding the bike carried out the crime in a professional manner.

Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh: CCTV footage has also surfaced of some time before journalist Raghavendra was shot on the highway. At 2:52 pm, Raghavendra is seen going on a bike. After about 18-20 seconds, the shooters sitting on the bike are seen chasing the journalist, who have tied a… pic.twitter.com/NVi7Cefrmj

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The police is engaged in investigation. Along with this, the police have detained Tehsil President of Lekhpal Sangh Anish Dwivedi, Lekhpal Ram Singh Rana, Prateek Gupta, DP Singh for questioning. Some other people are also being interrogated on the basis of suspicion.