Journalists’ Safety in Focus: SOP to be Prepared by MHA After Atiq Ahmed’s Killing
New Delhi, 16th April 2023: Following the murder of Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf in police custody yesterday in Uttar Pradesh, the central government is on high alert and planning to introduce Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the safety of journalists.
Three assailants, who posed as journalists, attacked the two brothers while the police were taking them to a medical college in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh for examination.
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to create an SOP to provide security to journalists.
Sources claim that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the MHA is set to prepare the SOP for journalists’ safety. The attackers had pretended to be members of the media before shooting Atiq and Ashraf dead.
During interrogation, the accused revealed their motive, stating that they aimed to eliminate the Atiq-Ashraf gang and establish their names in the state. They attempted to kill the brothers many times but failed to find the right opportunity until then. The police were quick to catch them, and they were arrested.
Following the incident, the streets of Prayagraj have been silent, with police stationed everywhere, and shop shutters closed. The police have received strict monitoring instructions from CM Yogi, and meetings have been held throughout the state until late at night.
