Journalist Files Assault Case Against CPN-UML Affiliated 'Volunteers Force' Members in Jhapa

Jhapa. A formal complaint has been registered against members of the CPN-UML affiliated 'Volunteers Force' for the brutal attack on journalist Arjun Kumar Acharya of Ratopati. The injured journalist Acharya filed the complaint at the Area Police Office, Damak, on Friday evening.

Acharya was attacked on Thursday at 5 PM at Jeevan Chowk in Kamal Rural Municipality. While CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli's door-to-door campaign was underway, some women stated they would vote for the bell symbol, leading CPN-UML cadres to hurl obscene abuses at them. Acharya, who was recording a video of the incident, was severely beaten with fists and boots by a group from the CPN-UML affiliated Volunteers Force.

The complaint filed by Acharya demands the arrest and action against five individuals, primarily including Yuvraj Pathak of Kamal Rural Municipality-6. The complaint requests that a case be pursued under the offense of indecent behavior (as per the Muluki Criminal Code). Furthermore, it demands the return of the looted mobile phone and glasses, compensation for physical and mental damages, and reimbursement of medical expenses.

The victim complained that although CPN-UML Chairman Oli was only a few meters away during the incident, he showed no concern when his own cadres attacked the journalist. The complaint also mentions that after the attack, Acharya was forced into a white Scorpio registered under number 2561 in the Bagmati Zone with the intention of kidnapping him, and he was threatened with further harm upon reaching Damak. Acharya sustained injuries to his face, back, side, and head. However, his condition is stable after treatment.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Kishor Lamsal of the Area Police Office, Damak, stated that the identified individuals named in the complaint have been identified and a search is underway. The Federation of Nepali Journalists, Freedom Forum, and various media-related organizations have demanded the protection of press freedom and the immediate bringing of the culprits to justice.