Journalist killed after mediating dispute over nursing home in Fatehpur

A 38-year-old news agency reporter, Dilip Saini, was killed in Fatehpur district while trying to mediate a dispute involving nursing home operator Prakash Singh. On the night of October 30 to 31, a group led by two criminal brothers attacked Saini and his friend Shahid with sharp weapons and firearms after they forcibly entered a house, senior police officials said on Saturday.

On the night of October 30 to 31, a group led by two criminal brothers attacked Saini and his friend Shahid (for representation only)

The incident has reportedly exposed the negligence of the police as officers had earlier visited the nursing home when Ankit Tiwari, one of the suspects, created a disturbance and demanded extortion. Just hours after Saini intervened to help Singh and called police for help, he was attacked and killed.

The situation is further aggravated by brothers Annu Tiwari and Alok Tiwari (alias Akku), who are the prime suspects, and they have continued to issue threats against the nursing home operator. Despite several complaints, the police allegedly ignored his requests for protection.

Fatehpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Dhawal Jaiswal said five of the nine named suspects have been arrested while the remaining four, including Tiwari brothers, are still at large. Those arrested include Ankit Tiwari, Ashish Kumar, Jitendra Patel (alias Bablu), Vipin Sharma and Lekhpal Sunil Rana. Police plan to use the Gangster Act against the attackers for their organized activities.

The attack took place around 11.48 pm on Wednesday evening when Saini and Shahid were having dinner at Saini’s residence under the jurisdiction of City Kotwali police. The attackers, armed with sharp weapons, clubs and firearms, broke in and attacked them. Shahid was seriously injured and is being treated at a local hospital.

Saini’s wife, Manorama, has filed an FIR under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against the nine named suspects and six unidentified persons.

Prakash Singh said Saini had supported him by calling the police when Ankit Tiwari and his associates started vandalizing his nursing home. Shortly after police arrived, Tiwari and his group left, only to retaliate hours later by attacking Saini.

Singh also revealed that he has received death threats from Alok Tiwari, but claims that local police are pressuring him instead of addressing his concerns.