Overview

• Bijay Pradhan traveled to Kulthipali village in Balangir district on May 25 to investigate alleged corruption at a construction site when he was attacked
• Assailants tied his limbs, paraded him through the village and later beat him at a temple after he refused to stop filming
• His mobile phone and video camera were smashed and he was threatened against publishing any findings
• Police have detained five suspects, including a minor, and have identified contractor Gajendra Dalai as the alleged mastermind who remains at large
• The Odisha Union of Journalists and other rights groups have condemned the violence and urged stronger safeguards for reporters in remote areas