Photo journalist Rajak killed in fire during pro-monarchy protest

Kathmandu, March 28: A person who was found dead inside a house that was set on fire by supporters of the former king at Tinkune has been identified as Suresh Rajak, the cameraperson of the Avenues Television.

Avenues TV news section chief Kedar Koirala confirmed that Rajak was the photojournalist with the Avenues. It is said he reached the top of the house to capture the demonstration and failed to find an exit after the mob set the house on fire.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has condemned the incident and has claimed the life of journalist Rajak. The umbrella organization of journalists said it was shocked by the news of the journalist’s death in the inhumane incident.

Demanding an in-depth investigation into the incident, it has sought to hold the responsible ones accountable. It has paid tributes to the late journalists and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. It highly condemns the moves of demonstrators to vandalize and torch media houses and terrorize media personnel.

In the statement issued by FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal, the FNJ confirmed that Rajak was burnt to death in the fire while on duty. The demonstrators significantly vandalized the building of the Annapurna Media Group at Tinkune and set it on fire attempted a forced entry to the Kantipur Television’s building and threw stones at the building, causing terror in the newsroom.

The mob vandalized a vehicle owned by the Himalayan Television. Dahal said these attacks, even killing journalists and targeting media houses, are immensely commendable and inhumane.

Demanding compensation from media houses for the losses, the FNJ has urged one and all to be serious about the security of media houses and journalists. —RSS