Sushil Pal
Journalist 
Rajasthan

HRDA has issued an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission of India on January 9 regarding the harassment, intimidation and threats issued to Mr. Sushil Pal, a journalist with MT TV in Ajmer, Rajasthan.  

On December 7, 2019, Mr. Pal visited the Municipal Corporation office in Ajmer in connection with a story on deaths in a cow shelter managed by the corporation. Representatives from Bhartiya Kisan Union were also present in the office at the time as they wanted to draw the administration’s attention to the death of 30 cows at the shelter. 

When an argument broke out between Divisional Commissioner of Ajmer Nagar Nigam Mr. Ashok Meena and the farmers, Mr. Pal recorded the proceedings. Mr. Meena objected to this, and tried to snatch the camera from Mr. Pal. He assaulted Mr. Pal and threatened to file a case against him for obstructing a public servant in discharging or attempting to discharge his public functions or responsibilities, as well as under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Mr. Pal approached the Kotwali police station to lodge a complaint, but was not allowed to register his complaint.