Press Club-Mumbai demands CBI probe into journalist's mysterious death

The Mumbai Press Club demanded an immediate CBI inquiry into the mysterious death of Aaj Tak reporter Akshay Singh. Any delay in ordering the probe will only strengthen the perception that India is sinking to the depths of another 'failed' Banana Republic. 

Like others, who have died under mysterious circumstances, Akshay’s death needs to be probed by the CBI rather than Madhya Pradesh’s SIT, which depends on the state police for inputs and information. Nothing short of ordering a CBI probe into Akshay’s death is acceptable. We also urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on this perplexing and tragic issue.

Mumbai Press Club also deeply mourns the death of Akshay Singh, special correspondent of Aaj Tak, who died investigating and reporting the Vyapam scam at Ujjain, in Madhya Pradesh. We stand by the Dahod-based family of Singh, who was just 38.

Whatever may be the autopsy report, the case should not be treated as normal as we over the last one month have seen reports of many similar and unnatural deaths of people connected with the Vyapam scam, be it witnesses, accused, suspects, investigators and beneficiaries.

The death of Akshay has come at a time when the journalist fraternity is yet to come to terms with the burning to death of Jagendra Singh of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh and Sandeep Kothari of Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, whose burnt body was found in Wardha district of Maharashtra. The two back-to-back similar incidents have come as a shock and a wake up call for all media persons. 

Mumbai Press Club also demand an immediate sacking of MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya who has been accused of showing appalling insensitivity with his dismissive comment on Akshay.

On its part, the Mumbai Press Club has taken the lead in helping file a case in the Supreme Court demanding a CBI Inquiry and is in touch with different journalist associations, organisations, federations and bodies in UP and New Delhi. The Club will also be extending some financial assistance to the bereaved families of the dead journalists. 

The Mumbai Press Club has also set up a fact-finding team in collaboration with the Nagpur Union of Working Journalists to visit Nagpur, Wardha and Balaghat and investigate the brutal murder of journalist Kothari.

Looking forward to your support for strengthening journalist rights and unity!

Rajesh Mascarenhas

Secretary

Mumbai Press Club

July 07, 2015

Smile That Goes Beyond A Mile!

PRCI, Delhi Chapter Celebrates Daughter’s Day on July 4

By Ms. Molijit Lall

(Secretary, PRCI, Delhi)

New Delhi: To celebrate Daughters’ Day, PRCI Delhi Chapter  organised a site visit to Holy Family Ashaniwas, an orphanage for girls at Mahavir Nagar, Dabri-Palam Road, Delhi. Study material, games, bedsheets and refreshments were presented to the children.

 PRCI celebrates Daughters’ Day as an annual event to create focus attention on the importance of the girl child. This year the event has received added impetus with the launch of  'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Holy Family Ashaniwas children were overwhelmed to see PRCI delegates and sang a heartwarming welcome and prayer song.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N.D. Rajpal, Chairman, Governing Council PRCI told the children about the importance of education in their lives.  He also highlighted various activities conducted by PRCI all over India.

Dr. Gaganjit Singh, Chairman, Delhi Chapter, wished all the children and encouraged them to talk about their areas of interest.  He also interacted with the staff to discuss further possibilities of aid to be given.

The children interacted with the PRCI team talking about their favourite subjects, hobbies and career dreams. While the younger ones (aged 3-8) were happy talking about their favourite food, movie stars, what games they play etc., it was the older group of children who spoke about their knowledge of Kalpana Chawla, our Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, their aspirations like to become a teacher, computer engineer as well as a sportswoman.  

“It was truly a heartwarming interaction,” said Dr Gaganjit Singh.

The event was organized as a part of PRCI Delhi Chapter’s CSR activities, to bring joy into the lives of these 40 girls residing in Ashaniwas who are being looked after by a dedicated team headed by Sister Suzan.