New Delhi: The Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU), India’s premier federation of journalists’ organizations,
is deeply shocked and outraged by the brutal hacking to death of veteran journalist Laxmi
Narayan Singh, popularly known as Pappu, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on October 23,
2025. This heinous act near Harsh Hotel in the Civil Lines area, where Singh was attacked
with a sharp-edged weapon and inflicted over two dozen wounds, is not just a personal
tragedy but a direct assault on press freedom, democracy, and the unyielding spirit of
those who hold power accountable.Laxmi Narayan Singh, aged 54 and a respected voice
in local journalism, was the nephew of former High Court Bar Association President
Ashok Singh. His untimely death leaves a void in the media landscape of Uttar Pradesh
and serves as a grim reminder of the perilous risks journalists face in India today.
Preliminary investigations point to a personal dispute with the main accused, Vishal, who
was arrested after a police encounter, with two others detained and another still at large.
While the exact motive remains under probe, such violence—often rooted in efforts to
silence critical reporting—demands immediate and thorough scrutiny to uncover any
deeper links to anti-social elements, vested interests, or threats against journalistic
integrity.The IJU unequivocally condemns this barbaric killing and stands in unwavering
solidarity with Singh’s grieving family, his colleagues, and the broader community of
journalists working under constant threat. Every attack on a journalist is an attack on the
public’s right to know and the constitutional guarantee of free expression under Article
19(1)(a).We demand the following urgent actions from the Uttar Pradesh and Central governments:
Proper and Speedy Investigation: A high-level, time-bound probe must be conducted to
fully establish the motive behind Singh’s murder, including any potential connections to
his professional work. The culprits must be brought to swift justice, with no room for
delays or cover-ups. We urge the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure
transparency and accountability.
Enhanced Safety and Security for Journalists: Immediate measures must be
implemented to provide better security protocols for media professionals, especially in
high-risk areas like Uttar Pradesh. This includes dedicated helplines, rapid response
mechanisms, and regular risk assessments for journalists covering sensitive issues. The
government must prioritize the enforcement of existing laws against violence on the
press and foster a culture of respect for the fourth estate.
Enactment of a Special Law for Journalists’ Safeguards: The IJU reiterates its longstanding call for a comprehensive national legislation to uniformly protect journalists
across all states. As we have urged in the past, “Journalists must be able to perform their
duties without fear or favour. A uniform national law is essential to protect the
constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.”
Such a law would include stringent penalties for attacks on media personnel, witness
protection, and institutional mechanisms to prevent impunity.
IJU President and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak, stated:
“The savage murder of Laxmi Narayan Singh is a stark indictment of the growing impunity
against journalists in our country. It echoes the rising tide of threats that seek to muzzle
the press and erode democratic foundations. We demand not just justice for Pappu but
a resolute commitment from the government to shield every journalist who dares to
speak truth to power. Without such safeguards, journalism in India risks being reduced
to whispers in the shadows.”IJU Secretary General Sabina Inderjit added: “This killing is
yet another grim chapter in the assaults on journalists by anti-social elements and vested
interests. The failure to protect voices like Laxmi Narayan Singh’s betrays the promise of
a free press. We call on the authorities to expedite the investigation, enact protective laws
without delay, and ensure no family endures such loss again. Journalists are the
watchdogs of society—silencing them silences justice itself. “The IJU calls upon all
journalists’ unions, media organizations, civil society, and conscientious citizens to unite
in this fight for press safety and justice. We pledge our full support to Singh’s family and vow to pursue these demands relentlessly until they are met.
