Late on the night of August 29, 2025, journalist Sumit Kumar Ghanta was violently attacked near Bhabani Chhak, Papadahandi, Nabarangpur District, Odisha, while riding home from Nabarangpur. The attacker, Harekrishna Behera previously reported by Ghanta in connection with drug-related activities ambushed him with a sword, inflicting multiple stab wounds on his chest and abdomen. Ghanta was discovered in critical condition by locals, who rushed him to the Papadahandi Community Health Center, then the Nabarangpur District Hospital, and finally transferred him to a trauma center in Visakhapatnam. Fortunately, residents apprehended the assailant on the spot, and local police took swift action following the media’s reporting of the life-threatening assault. The case has focused national attention on the perils journalists face while investigating criminal elements and has underlined the pressing issue of impunity for violence against journalists in India.

HRDA seeks NHRC’s suo moto intervention under Section 12(a), a comprehensive investigation to identify broader threats to journalists, and robust measures for their protection and justice for the survivor in this case.