Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh – In a shocking incident, local journalist and RTI activist Raghavendra Bajpai was shot dead on the Lucknow-Delhi National Highway on Saturday afternoon. The 35-year-old journalist, who worked as a correspondent for a Hindi daily, was reportedly targeted in a planned attack.
Details of the Murder
According to police sources, the assailants first rammed Bajpai’s bike before shooting him three times. Initially, the incident appeared to be a road accident, but doctors at the district hospital later discovered bullet wounds, confirming it as a murder case.
Bajpai had left his home around noon after receiving a phone call. Around 3:15 pm, he was attacked on the highway and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. The police are currently investigating the motive behind the murder. However, an FIR has not been registered yet, as authorities await a formal complaint from the victim’s family.
Police Response and Investigation
थाना इमलिया सुल्तानपुर क्षेत्रान्तर्गत घटित हत्या की घटना के सम्बन्ध में परिजन से प्राप्त तहरीर के आधार पर समुचित धाराओं में अभियोग पंजीकृत करते हुए 03 टीमे गठित कर अभियुक्तों की तलाश/गिरफ्तारी का प्रयास किया जा रहा है।
घटना के सम्बन्ध में #Asp_south द्वारा दी गई बाइट…👇 pic.twitter.com/KnieE5pvs2
— Sitapur Police (@sitapurpolice) March 8, 2025
Sitapur Police ASP (South) confirmed in a video statement, “Based on the family’s complaint regarding the murder in the Imalia Sultanpur police station area, a case has been registered under appropriate sections. Three police teams have been formed to track and arrest the accused.”
While no suspects have been identified so far, police teams are working on gathering evidence, including CCTV footage and call records, to trace the attackers. Officials suspect that Bajpai’s journalistic work and RTI activism could have been a factor behind the attack.
Outrage Among Journalists
Bajpai’s murder has sparked outrage among local journalists, with many demanding a thorough investigation and immediate action against those responsible. Journalists’ associations have called for better protection for media professionals, especially those reporting on sensitive issues.
As investigations continue, authorities are under pressure to ensure justice for Bajpai and bring the perpetrators to book.
