12 September,2025 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
Shahdev Dey.
The India Freedom of Expression Initiative (IFEI) welcomed the National Human Rights Commission's (NHRC) directive to award a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of journalist Shahdev Dey, whose charred body was found on April 2, after he went missing on March 29.
On Tuesday, the NHRC in its order directed the chief secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to provide monetary compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to Dey's family within two weeks.
On April 3, Suhas Chakma, convenor of IFEI, filed a complaint with NHRC, alleging that Dey, owner of the local news channel Republic Andaman, was murdered to silence his fearless journalism, as he had exposed alleged illegal activities, such as timber smuggling and gambling.
In its report to NHRC, the Andaman Police stated that a first information report (FIR) was registered in the case at Diglipur Police Station in Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, and an investigation was initiated under the supervision of Inspector Vijay Kumar.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to ensure an impartial, transparent, and expeditious probe into Dey's murder. Four accused - S Gangaya (48), Ramasubramaniyan (47), Bithika Mallik (35), and M Ramesh (44) - were then arrested.
The statements of witnesses have been recorded before the court and the accused have reportedly confessed to the crime. The investigating officers have also seized evidence, which collectively substantiate the premeditated nature of the murder and indicate a clear motive linked to Dey's reporting on illegal activities in the locality, stated authorities. The accused are currently in judicial custody at the District Jail, Mayabunder.
The police also said that the investigation was nearing conclusion, with the filing of the charge sheet only awaiting the findings of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad.
In its order, the NHRC stated: "As the killing of the said journalist was established to have occurred due to his daring reporting of illegal activities in the area, the Commission deems it a fit case where the victim's family should be provided with monetary compensation."
"The journalists across the country are facing increasing threats, especially from non-State actors, to their lives and liberties because of their profession. The order of the NHRC and the prosecution of the accused is a step in the right direction to protect journalists," said Chakma.
