India: RSF demands sanctions against the attackers of journalist Bijay Pradhan, tied up and beaten in broad daylight

Tied up, severely beaten, and dragged through the street for over two hours - this is what local reporter Bijay Pradhansuffered on 23 May. The correspondent for Odia-language outlet Bada Khabarin Kulthipali village, Odisha - a state on the eastern coast of India - was investigating alleged irregularities in a municipal construction project amid suspicions of corruption. Two months later, Pradhan still suffers from a ruptured eardrum and remains unable to work. His attackers also destroyed his mobile phones, which he used to film reports.

The attack, filmed and widely shared on social media with perpetrators' faces clearly visible, served as a warning to journalists investigating the story.

Four suspects were identified through the video and arrestedon 27 May, including the project's contractor - identified as the main suspect - and his family members. Yet the contractor was releasedon bail just two days later, 29 May, and the other suspects were released on 31 May despite overwhelming video evidence and risks to Pradhan's safety. Odisha police have failed to complete their investigations into the case, ignoring a directive from India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) put forth on 30 May.

In a retaliatory move, the wife of the principal suspect has filed a baseless extortion complaint against Pradhan.