Journalist Suresh Bhul killed After Brutal Beating in Kailali

Kailali, Nov 15 – Suresh Bhul, Joint Secretary of the National Dalit Journalist Association in Kailali, has died following a brutal assault. Bhul, a resident of Gauriganga Municipality-11, Kantipur Tol, was attacked by a group from the same locality around 5 p.m. on November 10.

The severely injured journalist was rushed to Nisarga Hospital in Dhangadhi, where he succumbed to his injuries on the morning of November 26. The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Kailali chapter, expressed its condolences to the bereaved family and called for justice in a public statement.

Call for Justice and Investigation

The FNJ has urged the government to take immediate legal action against the perpetrators. In response, the federation has formed a fact-finding team led by Central Secretary Hemkarna Wick to investigate the incident. The team is expected to submit its findings within 15 days.

Background of the Incident

Suresh Bhul, who reported for Vigilance.com, operated a medical store near his office in Gauriganga-11. The dispute that led to his death reportedly began on November 20, when a goat belonging to Visna Bhul, a resident of the same area, went missing.

The next day, Suresh allegedly found the goat near the ward office and tied it outside his medical store, awaiting the owner. However, Visna's relatives accused him of theft and filed a complaint at the Masuria temporary police post. An agreement was reached, requiring Suresh to pay NPR 30,000 and return the goat.

Despite the agreement, tensions escalated. On the evening of November 25, a group of 40-50 people, including Visna's relatives, attacked Suresh at his medical store, allegedly demanding NPR 100,000. According to eyewitnesses, Suresh was kicked in the chest and beaten in sensitive areas, leading to fatal injuries.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

The Kailali Area Police Office, Malakheti, has arrested eight individuals, including goat owner Visna Bul, and others from Gauriganga Municipality-11. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ganga Bahadur Thapa confirmed the arrests of key suspects: Visna Bhul, Jung Bahadur Bhul, Vishal Vick, Dinesh Bhul, Rama Rawal, Dharma Vick, and Ramesh Rawal.

A complaint has also been filed against absconding suspect Pawan Bogti, who remains at large.

Public Outrage and Demands for Action

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among media and rights organizations. Several groups, including the FNJ Central Office, NDJA Central Office, Press Chautari Nepal, and the National Federation for Right to Information, have issued statements condemning the attack and demanding swift justice.

Suresh Bhool's body was cremated on Wednesday evening after a post-mortem revealed severe injuries to his chest and private parts.

Growing Concerns for Journalist Safety

This tragic incident underscores the growing threats faced by journalists in Nepal, particularly those from marginalized communities. Rights activists and professional bodies have reiterated the need for stronger protections and accountability to prevent such violence in the future.