Journalist Arjun Kumar Archaya, 39, working with Ratopati Online, Hamromat Online, and Gorkhapatra, has filed a police complaint against those accused of beating him.
The complaint was lodged on February 27, after he was allegedly beaten on Falgun 14 while collecting news during the election door-to-door campaign in Jhapa Constituency No. 5, where K. P. Sharma Oli is a candidate.
According to the victim, he was beaten on a public road at Chomolung, Kamal Rural Municipality–6, by Yubaraj Pathak, 45, and others. He filed the complaint at the Area Police Office, Damak, on February 27.
Originally from Kanepokhari Rural Municipality–5, Morang, and currently residing in Biratnagar Metropolitan City–12, Archaya alleged that cadres affiliated with the UML-aligned Youth Volunteer Force assaulted him and snatched his mobile phone on February 26.
Although nine to ten individuals were reportedly involved in the incident, the victim stated that he has filed a complaint against one identified individual for now.
Archaya claimed he was attacked while attempting to take an interview with K. P. Sharma Oli for Ratopati Online. He alleged that during the UML’s door-to-door campaign in Kamal Rural Municipality–6, Youth Volunteer Force members were chanting slogans such as “Vote for the Bell.” A dispute arose when some women inside a house responded by saying “Bell” in reference to the election symbol.
According to the journalist, after he captured photos and videos of Youth Volunteer Force members verbally abusing the women with obscene language for allegedly being annoyed by their repeated “bell” slogans, he was physically assaulted.
He sustained injuries to his face, nose, and back and was discharged after treatment at Neuro Hospital on February 26.
Police have stated that those involved in the incident will be brought to action.
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (central office, Koshi Province, and district branch), Press Center, and other media-related organizations have issued statements condemning the incident.
The 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders recognizes journalists as human rights defenders.