BUJ condemns killing of journalist Shashikant Warishe; demands arrest of killers

BRIHANMUMBAI UNION OF JOURNALISTS
23-25 Prospect Chambers Annexe, Fort, Mumbai 400 001
Email: bujmedia[at]gmail.com

07.02.2023

BUJ condemns killing of journalist Shashikant Warishe; demands arrest of killers

The Brihanmumbai Union of Journalists is shocked at the brazen broad daylight murder of journalist Shashikant Warishe, by a local land dealer Pandarinath Amberkar, off the Rajapur highway on Monday, February 6, 2023.

Anberkar allegedly mowed down Warishe and dragged him under his vehicle for around 100 metres vehicle before fleeing from the spot.

A profusely bleeding Warishe was extricated from under the vehicle and rushed to hospital where he succumbed to multiple injuries at 7a.m. this morning. Amberkar is absconding.

The killing of the journalist, in broad daylight, comes barely hours after he published a report in the Mahanagri Times, a local newspaper, about banners with photographs of Amberkar with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Amberkar, the report said, was an accused in cases of land grab and of intimidation and force against activists opposing the mega-crore refinery project in the area.

The area has been the site of intense agitation over the Nanar refinery where local agriculturalists have been staunchly opposing the project as they fear it will destroy the environment, besides their lives and livelihood. While the MVA government scrapped the project, the project was shifted to Barsu-Salgaon, 20 kms away from Nanar. However, opposition from local groups has continued.

The BUJ demands that the police should arrest Amberkar immediately and conduct a swift and thorough investigation. The BUJ is concerned that Amberkar could use his considerable local political influence to get off the hook.

Sd/-
Indra Kumar Jain General Secretary