Dharmendra Singh Chauhan,
Jhajjar/Geneva: Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, a journalist associated with the online media outlet Fast News India, was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in Jhajjar district, Haryana, on May 18, 2025. The incident occurred in Luhari village, where Chauhan resided, as he was taking a walk after dinner. He succumbed to his injuries later that night in a Gurugram hospital. The killing has sparked outrage among media organisations and raised concerns about the safety of journalists in India.
The Haryana police have initiated an investigation into Chauhan’s killing, but no suspects have been identified as of May 19, 2025. Media groups across India have expressed solidarity with Chauhan’s family and reiterated demands for enhanced protections for journalists. The incident adds to the alarming global tally of journalist killings, with PEC noting 64 such cases worldwide this year.
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a Geneva-based global media safety and rights organisation, “strongly” condemned the murder and demanded a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. PEC President Blaise Lempen stated, “We condemn the murder of Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, who becomes the 64th journalist-victim across the world to be assassinated this year to date, and demand a fair probe to nab the culprits. PEC also urges Haryana province government chief Nayab Singh Saini to take personal interest in resolving the case and extend adequate compensation to the bereaved family.” The statement was issued on 19 May 2025, reflecting PEC’s ongoing advocacy for journalist safety worldwide.
PEC’s South and Southeast Asia representative, Nava Thakuria, highlighted that Chauhan’s killing marks the fourth journalist murder in India since 1 January 2025. Earlier this year, journalists Mukesh Chandrakar, Raghavendra Vajpayee, and Sahadev Dey were also killed by assailants. These incidents underscore the persistent threats faced by media professionals in the country. PEC’s call for justice emphasises the need for swift action to address the growing violence against journalists and ensure accountability.
– global bihari bureau
