NEW DELHI: Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a media watchdog, highlighted the dangers faced by journalists investigating the exploitation of natural resources by sand mafias and other mining networks over the past decade. In a report released to coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10th anniversary in office and on the eve of India’s five-yearly general elections starting today, RSF aimed to draw attention to the issue.
According to RSF, almost half of the 28 journalists killed in India since Narendra Modi assumed office ten years ago were working on stories related to the environment. These journalists included media directors, investigative reporters, and correspondents.
With India commencing its months-long, seven-stage elections on Friday, RSF seized the moment to advocate for the protection of journalists and the fight against impunity for crimes of violence against them. RSF emphasized that safeguarding journalists and addressing impunity should be central to the elections, as Modi seeks another term in office.
The report revealed that at least 13 of the 28 journalists killed since 2014 were investigating environmental-related subjects, particularly land seizures and illegal mining for industrial purposes. Many journalists lost their lives while reporting on India’s “sand mafia,” an organized crime network engaged in illegal sand excavation for the country’s construction industry.
RSF pointed out that the sand mafia, closely linked to politicians and often shielded by them, resorts to silencing journalists who delve too deeply into its activities, doing so with impunity.
