In a shocking and rare incident, journalist Vishesh Kumar and his companion Vijay were brutally attacked by a group of unidentified assailants while returning from a late-night reporting assignment. The assault took place on Hoshangabad Road, where 10 to 12 youths suddenly obstructed their path and launched a violent attack.
The duo was riding a motorcycle when the group ambushed them. Vishesh, who was driving, was forced to brake abruptly to avoid hitting the group. As they attempted to maneuver around the blockade, the attackers swiftly surrounded and assaulted them without warning. Vishesh recounted that one of the attackers struck him on the head with a knife, while Vijay was beaten with a stick. Both men were dragged off the vehicle and subjected to a brutal and relentless beating.
Vishesh sustained a deep head wound and severe bleeding that left him unconscious on the road, while Vijay also suffered serious injuries during the attack. The assailants fled the scene as a crowd began to gather, apparently deterred by the growing attention. A neighbor of Vishesh, who happened to be passing by, recognized him and intervened, calling friends for help and ensuring that both victims were taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Following the incident, Vishesh expressed anger and disbelief at the response of law enforcement. He alleged that the attackers clearly intended to kill, pointing to the targeted knife blow to his head and an attempt to crush his skull with a stone. However, he claimed that despite the severity and apparent murderous intent of the assault, police failed to register appropriate charges such as attempt to murder in the First Information Report (FIR).
This omission has sparked public outrage, with Vishesh and his supporters raising serious concerns about the police’s commitment to justice and the safety of journalists in the region. The incident has led to growing calls for a thorough investigation into the motives behind the attack and the identification of the perpetrators.
As both Vishesh and Vijay continue to receive medical treatment, press freedom advocates and members of the journalist fraternity have urged authorities to act swiftly and impartially, ensuring accountability and protection for media professionals working under increasingly dangerous conditions.
