Apr 24, Kathmandu- Lumbini Press Club, Rupandehi, has announced a protest program demanding justice for journalist Radheshyam Bishwakarma from Bhairahawa, Rupandehi and action against the culprits.

A group of 7-8 smugglers, including a person identifying himself as Dipesh Yadav, attempted to seize communication equipment, force him to delete videos, abuse him, and physically attack Bishwakarma, the club's outgoing treasurer and a journalist working at Annapurna Media Network Pvt. Ltd. (AP1 Television), during a march in Rupandehi on Baisakh 08.

The Press Club issued a press release on Wednesday announcing the protest program, saying that those involved in the incident were not brought to justice but were instead removed from police control.

Secretary Shashi Panthi informed that a meeting of the club's working committee, advisors, and former office bearers has announced a three-day protest program in the first phase for justice for journalist Bishwakarma. The club has also called for support and cooperation from all those in favor of press freedom, human rights, and social justice in the protest.

The club has stated that it will hold a sit-in in front of the District Administration Office, Rupandehi, on the first day, Thursday, Baisakh 11, from 10:15 am to 1 hour. It has also informed various professional associations, including the Federation of Nepali Journalists, about the protest program through a statement urging them to join in solidarity.

On the second day, Friday, Baisakh 12, all journalists will hold a sit-in in front of the administration from 10:15 am for 1 hour, wearing black bands. Similarly, on the third day, Sunday, Baisakh 14, all journalists will hold a sit-in in front of the administration from 10:15 am for 1 hour, wearing black bands, placing their media materials at the administration gate.

Club President Kamal Rayamajhi said that if the culprits are not arrested and brought to justice even after this, they will announce a second phase of agitation and launch a phased agitation. “Our agitation will continue until justice is served,” he said, adding that the second phase of agitation may also be centered in Kathmandu.

The club has stated that a complaint has been filed with the concerned body demanding action against the culprit. Lumbini Press Club, Federation of Nepali Journalists, Rupandehi Branch, Federation Lumbini Province, Federation Central Committee, and various organizations have already issued statements regarding the incident against journalist Bishwakarma and demanded action against the culprit. Two hours after the incident, DSP Suraj Karki, who is also the spokesperson of the District Police Office Rupandehi, informed that Dipesh Yadav, who tried to attack journalist Bishwakarma, had been arrested, but the statement mentioned that the police are now making irresponsible claims that Yadav, who was arrested, had escaped from police custody in the evening of the same day.

Lumbini Press Club and Federation of Nepali Journalists, Rupandehi, had submitted a memorandum to the Chief District Officer of Rupandehi on Wednesday, demanding an investigation into the facts and taking action against the police who helped the culprits and the police who helped them escape.

"However, even after 24 hours, no information has been received from the police administration that the culprits and the police who helped them escape have been brought to justice. As a result, the victim journalist Bishwakarma is still not confident that he will get justice," the statement said.