A disturbing case of alleged harassment and attempted suicide has come to light in Pilibhit district, where a local journalist and his wife consumed poison on camera after posting a video on social media. The couple accused three individuals, including a government officer, of driving them to the brink due to continued threats and false allegations.

The journalist, Israr Hussain, who works for Dainik Kesariya Hindustan, and his wife are currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital. While Israr is reportedly out of danger, his wife remains in critical condition.

In their video, the couple claimed they were being targeted for publishing a report on corruption in a road construction project managed by the Barkhera Nagar Panchayat. Israr said his investigation exposed the use of substandard materials, implicated officials, and attracted attention from the Chief Minister’s Office.

“Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had taken cognisance of the story. After that, a false case was filed against me,” he said in the video. “We are drinking poison and ending our lives. Yogi ji, we need justice.”

Video Discloses Alleged Accused Behind the Harassment

The video named Bisalpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nagendra Pandey, Barkhera Nagar Panchayat Chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal, and contractor Moin Hussain as the key figures behind the harassment.

According to police, an FIR was lodged against Israr on May 19 based on a complaint by contractor Moin Hussain, who alleged that the journalist attempted to extort Rs 15,000 from him and threatened to publish false news if the demand was not met.

“I am a government contractor currently executing road and drain construction in wards 8 and 9. On May 18, journalist Israr Hussain came to my work site and demanded Rs 15,000. When I refused, he threatened to publish fake news against me and resorted to hooliganism. He even threatened to kill me,” read Hussain’s complaint.

Following this, police registered a case under Sections 308(2), 352, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation and extortion.

One of the Accused Denies the Allegations

However, colleagues and family members of Israr strongly deny these accusations. His coworker, Bhiru Gautam, stated: “The FIR was filed overnight. Israr is innocent and was being harassed.” The journalist’s family claimed that the police acted under pressure and even assaulted their children when the couple was not home.

“In the so-called investigation, police came to our house when we weren’t home and assaulted our children. We’re exhausted. Yogiji, we want justice,” the couple said in the video.

Editor of Dainik Kesariya Hindustan, Ravindra Singh Pawaiya, condemned the FIR and expressed concern over press freedom. “When the FIR was filed against Israr, we immediately contacted the Pilibhit SSP, who assured a fair investigation. Despite that, constant police pressure pushed him to this point. We will take this matter to the Press Council of India. This fight isn’t over,” he said.

SDM Nagendra Pandey has publicly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and claiming “there is no such issue.” He has ordered the Station House Officer of Barkhera to carry out a proper inquiry into the matter.

Contractor Hussain reiterated his defense, stating, “Why did I only file a complaint against Israr? Because he is a bully. He demanded money and threatened me. As for the SDM, do you really think an officer of his stature would do something like that…?”

Barkhera Nagar Panchayat Chairman Shyam Bihari Bhojwal also distanced himself from the incident. “I have come to know about the incident, but I have nothing to do with it. There may have been some dispute with the contractor,” he told reporters.

Bisalpur Circle Officer Prateek Dahiya informed the media that a detailed investigation is underway. “We are examining all aspects of the case and will ensure justice is served,” he said.

The journalist’s family continues to demand the arrest of the three individuals named in the video and a fair investigation into the matter.