On August 30, 2025, journalist Shajan Skaria, editor of the YouTube news channel Marunadan Malayali, was attacked by a group of five unidentified individuals near Mangattukavala, Thodupuzha, Kerala. The journalist was followed as he drove home from a wedding in Thiruvananthapuram, and his car was intentionally rammed from behind by the attackers’ Thar Jeep. He was dragged out of his car and assaulted by the gang, leaving him with injuries for which he was treated at Thodupuzha District Hospital. The incident, linked by some reports to local political actors, is being investigated as an attempted murder. The case has generated extensive media focus and public outcry over rising violence against independent journalists in Kerala.

 HRDA requests that the NHRC take suo moto cognizance under Section 12(a), conduct an independent probe, and ensure impartial and timely enforcement of journalist protection measures.