NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported attack on a journalist by a drug addict in Nabarangpur district, Odisha for filing a complaint against him

Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 3rd September, 2025

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported attack on a journalist by a drug addict in Nabarangpur district, Odisha for filing a complaint against him

Issues notices to the DGP, Odisha, calling for a report within two weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that on 29th August, 2025 in the Papadahandi area of Nabarangpur district, Odisha, a journalist sustained multiple stab wounds in an attack by a drug addict for filing a complaint against him. Reportedly, the victim journalist has been hospitalised in critical condition.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Odisha, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of the investigation as well as the health condition of the injured journalist.

According to the media report, carried on 30th August, 2025, the incident has sparked outrage among journalists and residents of the area.

***