Harassed by officer for 'exposing corruption,' journalist, wife consume poison
What's the story
A local journalist and his wife in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, consumed poison on camera on Thursday, accusing a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), a nagar panchayat chairman, and a contractor of harassment. They are currently being treated at the district hospital after consuming the toxic substance. The journalist, identified as Israr, alleged in the video that he was being harassed for publishing a news report on corruption in Barkheda nagar panchayat.
Allegations detailed
Journalist alleges harassment over corruption report
He claimed Bisalpur SDM Nagendra Pandey, Barkhera Nagar Panchayat Chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal, and contractor Moin Hussain were behind the harassment. Israr alleged that after his report on "substandard" construction work using poor-quality yellow bricks was published, a false extortion case was filed against him on May 19 through a contractor. He also accused the SDM of acting inappropriately toward his wife
Twitter Post
Couple demanded justice from Yogi
पीलीभीत, यूपी में पत्रकार इसरार ने पत्नी के साथ जहर खा लिया। दोनों हॉस्पिटल में भर्ती हैं।
— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) May 29, 2025
पत्रकार ने बताया– "मैंने सड़क निर्माण के भ्रष्टाचार की खबर छापी थी। अधिकारियों ने मुझ पर रंगदारी मांगने और गाली गलौज करने का झूठा मुकदमा दर्ज कर दिया"@madanjournalist pic.twitter.com/4AWPyNIFxN
Investigation initiated
SDM Pandey orders investigation into harassment allegations
In response to the viral video, SDM Pandey has ordered an investigation by the Barkheda Station House Officer. He dismissed the allegations as "baseless" and claimed "there is no such issue." Bisalpur Circle Officer Prateek Dahiya also confirmed that a thorough investigation from all angles is underway. Meanwhile, panchayat chairman Bhojwal claimed that he has no involvement in the incident. "I have nothing to do with it. There may have been some dispute with the contractor," he said.
Counterclaims made
Contractor Hussain defends himself against allegations
Defending himself, contractor Hussain claimed that the journalist demanded ₹15,000 from him and threatened to publish a negative report if his demand wasn't met. He claimed Israr used abusive language and issued death threats, forcing him to file a police complaint. These claims have been dismissed by the couple's family members, who have alleged that Israr and his wife were facing continuous harassment from Pandey, Bhojwal, and Hussain.