Journalists Mr. Vijaylal Markam and Mr. Akhilesh Sahu faced threats, intimidation, and fabricated charges in Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, for reporting on inadequate educational facilities. On January 23, 2023, they visited Shankarpur Primary School, revealing students sitting on the ground due to locked facilities. The following day, an FIR (20/2023) was filed against them under various charges, including criminal intimidation, by the head teacher, Ms. Sunita Singh. On January 24, 2023 both the journalists were arrested. The journalists' arrest is an act of reprisal for their reportage, with officials colluding to implicate them. Despite evidence showing their car was parked away from the school building and an audio recording discrediting the complainant, police registered an FIR without a preliminary enquiry. This incident highlights a violation of freedom of expression, a crucial aspect of journalists' constitutional rights, and the misuse of power to suppress media freedom.

The right to exercise freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(a) of the Indian Constitution was violated.

HRDA urges the NHRC to treat this as a serious case of reprisal, urging the Director General of Police of Chhattisgarh to conduct an independent investigation, take strict action against involved officials, quash fabricated charges, and mandate police training on law and duty.