Indian journalist named on hit list as threats against critical voices escalate - Committee to Protect Journalists

26.9.15

Indian journalist named on hit list as threats against critical voices escalate - Committee to Protect Journalists: [cpj.org] In the threat he learned about this week, Wagle was allegedly named as the next target by a member of Sanatan Sanstha, a hard-line Hindu group. The group has been accused by authorities of carrying out numerous violent attacks, according to news reports. Police said Wagle's name was mentioned in intercepted phone calls made by a Sanstha member who they arrested earlier this month in connection with the murder of author and left-wing politician Govind Pansare.

Authorities offered Wagle protection, which the journalist said he initially turned down. "I've experienced police protection before. It's a farce, a formality," he said to me. "What can a single constable do for me? The government just wants to show it is taking action; it's not really interested in protecting."