Trigger warning: This report contains graphic description of an attempt to die by suicide.

Israr Hussain, a journalist working for the newspaper Dainik Kesariya Hindustan, and his wife attempted suicide by consuming poison on camera in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district on Thursday. The couple alleged harassment over a report that claimed corruption in a road project. 

They are receiving treatment at the district hospital but their condition is said to be stable.

In their video, the couple made several accusations against Bisalpur SDM Nagendra Pandey, a civic agency official in Barkhera, and contractor Moin Hussain. Israr claimed that he was being harassed and booked in a “false” case for publishing a report exposing irregularities in road construction in Barkhera Nagar Panchayat.

“Chief minister (Yogi Adityanath) had taken cognisance of the story. After that, a false case was filed against me,” he alleged, claiming that the police had also admitted to “pressure” behind the FIR against him that was filed on May 19.

Earlier this month, Israr’s report had alleged that substandard bricks were used in a road project and SDM Nagendra Pandey was complicit. The FIR charged Israr under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections 308(2), 352, and 351(3), alleging extortion and criminal intimidation. It was based on a complaint from contractor Moin Hussain at the Barkhera police station. 

“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,” the complaint alleged.

However, Israr’s colleague Bhiru Gautam claimed the case was false and that Israr had not even met the contractor. “The FIR was filed overnight. Israr is innocent and was being harassed,” Gautam said.

In the video, the couple alleged the police entered their home and assaulted the family after they tried to file a complaint against the SDM. “During 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.”

Ravindra Singh Pawaiya, editor of Dainik Kesariya Hindustan in Gwalior, said, “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.”

Contractor Moin Hussain denied the allegations. “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…?”

Phone calls to SDM Nagendra Pandey and a message seeking his comment remained unanswered. This report will be updated if he responds.

Pandey earlier denied all the allegations while speaking to Dainik Bhaskar.

Newslaundry reached out to the Barkhera police SHO for comment. This copy will be updated if he responds.

The Barkhera civic agency official named by the couple earlier told Dainik Bhaskar that he had “nothing to do with the matter”. “The contractor must have had an issue and filed a complaint.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, we urge you to seek help. Please call one of the helpline numbers listed here or contact a mental health professional.