A distressing event unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district when a local journalist and his wife posted a video accusing a sub-divisional magistrate, a nagar panchayat chairman, and a contractor of persistent harassment before reportedly consuming poison on camera. The incident has drawn significant attention as investigations continue.

According to police from Barkheda station, journalist Israr detailed in the video that harassment from Bisalpur’s sub-divisional magistrate Nagendra Pandey, Barkheda nagar panchayat chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal, and contractor Moin Hussain forced the couple to take this drastic action. While Israr was rushed to the district hospital and is said to be stable, his wife remains in critical condition.

Israr claimed that his recent investigative reporting on alleged corruption within the Barkheda nagar panchayat had attracted the scrutiny of the Chief Minister’s Office. Following the report, he alleged ongoing threats and harassment, including false legal charges allegedly orchestrated by the three accused. “We are drinking poison and ending our lives. Yogi ji, we need justice,” he said in the recorded message.

Meanwhile, sub-divisional magistrate Nagendra Pandey dismissed the accusations, calling them baseless and stating that he had instructed local police to conduct a full inquiry. Similarly, Bisalpur Circle Officer Prateek Dahiya confirmed a comprehensive investigation is underway from all perspectives.

On his part, chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal denied involvement, suggesting that any conflict may have been between the contractor and Israr. Contractor Moin Hussain claimed that Israr had recently visited one of his sites demanding money under threat of publishing damaging news, leading Hussain to file a police complaint against the journalist for alleged abuse and threats.

Family members of the couple have accused the officials and contractor of systematic harassment and coercion, alleging police complicity in the matter. They have called for a formal case to be filed against all three named individuals to ensure justice is served.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists reporting on corruption at local levels. Authorities and the public alike await the outcomes of the police investigation, which could set important precedents for accountability and protection against intimidation in the region.