Overview

• On May 29 in Pilibhit, journalist Israr Hussain and his wife attempted suicide by consuming poison on camera while accusing SDM Nagendra Pandey, Nagar Panchayat President Shyam Bihari Bhojwal and contractor Moin Hussain of harassment.
• The couple were hospitalized at Pilibhit District Hospital; Israr is stable while his wife remains in critical condition.
• Hussain’s exposé on alleged corruption and substandard materials in Barkhera road construction led to a May 19 FIR accusing him of extortion and criminal intimidation that he and colleagues say was fabricated.
• SDM Pandey has ordered the Barkheda police to investigate the harassment claims, and Bisalpur Circle Officer Prateek Dahiya says the probe will examine all angles.
• The case has spotlighted the dangers journalists can face when exposing local corruption, prompting calls for justice and accountability from the Chief Minister’s office.