Vyapam Scam Case: Mystery Shrouds TV Journalist's Death
A journalist working for a leading Delhi-based news channel suddenly took ill and died on Saturday after having interviewed parents of a girl who had been found dead near railway tracks after her name figured in the infamous Vyapam scam of Madhya Pradesh.
Reports say that Akshay Singh, a journalist with TV Today Group, felt chest pain when he was taking the interview. He was taken to Meghnagar hospital where he was declared brought dead.
BEA Calls For Fair Investigation
The Broadcast Editors Association (BEA) on Sunday expressed outrage over the death of journalist Akshay Singh and called for an investigation into the Vyapam scam by an independent body under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
“I feel that in the history of the country’s crimes, there has been no such sustained operation. BEA is outraged by these incidents and call for the entire country to stand up against these deaths because the Vyapam scam is not just another ordinary scam. We call for an investigation by an independent body under the supervision of the Supreme Court,” BEA head NK Singh said.
Congress Smells a Rat
The Congress party on Sunday expressed condolences over the demise of Singh and said that yet another death in connection with the Vyapam scam raises serious concerns.
“Our heart reaches out to family of the journalist who has become the 44th victim of suspected death in the Vyapam scam of Madhya Pradesh….We are not pointing fingers in this point of death, but we are raising serious concerns,” said Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.
A Heart-wrenching Incident: JDU
The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday termed the demise of journalist Akshay Singh as a ‘heart-wrenching’ incident and stated that his death has showed the power of politics.
“It is a heart wrenching incident and it shows the power of politics. Such scam [like the Vyapam scam] cannot be buried with such incidents. A high level committee should be formed where people will have their trust. This scam has brought out the real face of BJP government in Madhya Pradesh. I think that media will face this with all its strength,” JD (U) leader Ali Anwar said.
Jaitley Condoles
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Arun Jaitley on Sunday condoled the death of journalist Akshay Singh.
The minister took to twitter to share his condolences.
“My condolences on sad & untimely demise of young journalist Akshay Singh. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family,” he posted.
At least 25 accused/witnesses have died so far in Vyapam scam, a massive admission and recruitment racket involving several bureaucrats and politicians.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)