Thaindian News

Mumbai, June 21 (IANS) A delegation of senior editors Tuesday called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in connection with the murder of senior journalist Jyotirmoy Dey and handing over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“Attacks on journalists is a grave and sensitive matter. I have met with the editors and ensured them of appropriate action,” Chavan told reporters.

“As far as handing over the case to the CBI is concerned, the Bombay High Court will take a decision on the same,” Chavan added.

Referring to the demand for separate legislation to prevent attacks on journalists, the chief minister said the government is considering a proposal to include professionals from creative field like authors, artistes along with journalists in the draft bill.

But he expressed concern about the lack on unanimity among the political as well as the media community over having a separate legislation for journalists.

The editors also voiced their concerns and discussed the issues raised with the Maharashtra government and steps necessary to ensure safety for media professionals.

“Chavan said that Mumbai Police is making a headway into finding the killers of Dey and that the police is best equipped to handle the case,” Girish Kuber, editor of Loksatta told IANS.

According to a survey presented by journalist organisations, there have been 1,500 attacks on scribes in the last 20 years.

“But there have been no convictions. As many as 184 attacks on journalist have happened in the last two years and it is a major concern,” said senior journalist Jatin Desai.

“We have requested Chavan to revive and strengthen a committee that was appointed in 1991 to look into attacks on journalists,” he added.

Among the editors who attended the meeting with Chavan include Shekhar Gupta of the Express Group, N. Ram of The Hindu, Arnab Goswami of Times Now, Rahul Joshi of The Economic Times, Girish Kuber of Loksatta, Aditya Sinha of DNA, Sachin Kalbag of Mid-day, Nikhil Wagle of IBN Lokmat and Rajiv Khandekar of Star Majha.

The Mumbai Police Tuesday submitted the probe report of Dey’s murder case in a sealed envelope to the Bombay High Court.

“The court has ordered that we submit another progress report on July 6,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Himanshu Roy.

He added: “The court also said it is premature to transfer the case to CBI at this stage.”

Dey, special investigation editor of Mid-Day, was shot dead in broad daylight June 11 near his residence in Powai area of suburban Andheri in north Mumbai.