A shocking incident has emerged from Batala, Punjab, where a journalist was allegedly assaulted by two police officers in broad daylight. The incident, caught on camera, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the media fraternity and raised serious questions about police conduct.
Balvinder Kumar Bhalla, a press photographer and web TV journalist, was reportedly attacked on the evening of August 1st outside a local hotel in Batala. According to reports, the incident occurred around 6:15 pm when Bhalla entered the hotel and saw two men, one in police uniform and the other in civilian attire, standing at the counter. Bhalla casually inquired if they were with the Batala Police, as they seemed unfamiliar to him. This question apparently triggered an aggressive response from the uniformed officer, who, along with his companion, allegedly began beating Bhalla.
The video of the assault has gone viral, showing the officers mercilessly beating the journalist. The footage has caused widespread outrage and has led to calls for immediate action against the accused officers.
Following the emergence of the video and the subsequent outcry, a complaint has been registered regarding the incident. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the matter, promising to take strict action against those found guilty.
This incident is not the first instance of alleged police misconduct against journalists in Punjab. In April 2022, a case was filed against Punjab Police officials for allegedly harassing a journalist during a press conference held by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann. According to reports, the journalist, Naresh Vats, was denied entry to the press conference despite showing his Press Information Bureau (PIB) card. He alleged that when he questioned the police, they verbally and physically harassed him.
In May 2022, journalist Jahangir Hayat was assaulted and detained by Punjab police in Lahore. Hayat, a chief reporter for Daily Business, was allegedly targeted in retaliation for his reporting on crime and alleged police malfeasance. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Pakistani authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the assault and detention of Hayat and his family.
These incidents highlight the risks journalists face while carrying out their duties and raise concerns about the state of press freedom. The assault on Balvinder Kumar Bhalla serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of journalists, who often work to uncover the truth and hold power to account.
The incident has prompted strong reactions from media organizations and journalist associations, who have demanded swift and decisive action against the accused officers. They have also called for measures to ensure the safety and security of journalists in the region.
The investigation into the assault is currently underway, and authorities have assured that justice will be served. The incident has put the Punjab Police under intense scrutiny, with many calling for reforms to prevent such incidents from happening again. The outcome of this case will be crucial in sending a message that violence against journalists will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
