IJU Condemns Killing of MP Journalist Salman Ali Khan

KalimNews, September 20, 2024, New Delhi : The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has strongly condemned the murder of Salman Ali Khan, a journalist with a local TV channel in Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, who was shot dead by unidentified men on the evening of September 17. Khan, a resident of Sarangpur, was publicly shot while standing with his 9-year-old son in front of a hospital. Three attackers shot him at close range, placing a revolver against his temple.

According to police, the murder is linked to a personal rivalry between Khan and an individual named Shahrukh. Last year, in February, Salman and his brother were both severely injured in an attack involving swords and knives. Following that incident, Khan had revealed that the attack stemmed from a personal dispute with Shahrukh.

At the time of the shooting, the SDOP (Sub-Divisional Officer of Police) was patrolling the area due to Anant Chaturdashi celebrations. Shockingly, the SDOP's vehicle was just 50 steps away from the scene of the crime.

The IJU has demanded justice for the slain journalist and expressed concern over the police's failure to provide protection, particularly given that Khan had been seriously attacked before. In a joint statement, IJU President and former Press Council of India member Geetartha Pathak, along with IJU Secretary General and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Sabina Inderjit, noted that journalists in Madhya Pradesh are increasingly facing attacks from anti-social elements, criminals, and political vested interests.

The IJU leaders have urged the state government to ensure the safety and security of working journalists across the state and called for a swift investigation into the cold-blooded murder of Salman Ali Khan, demanding justice for him.