Journalist Attack: Bengal Working Journalists Association condemns the alleged assault on journalist Mahboob Raza and demands an impartial probe, legal action and stronger protection for journalists.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | September 11, 2026
Journalist Attack: The Bengal Working Journalists Association has strongly condemned the alleged assault on journalist Mahboob Raza while he was carrying out his reporting duties and has called upon the police and administration to conduct a fair, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.
The association demanded that all individuals found to be involved in the alleged journalist attack be identified and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. It also urged the authorities to ensure that journalists are able to perform their professional responsibilities without fear, intimidation or physical pressure.
According to the association, disagreement with a journalist’s report or criticism of his or her work is a legitimate part of a democratic society. However, such disagreement cannot justify violence or an alleged physical attack on a journalist. The organisation said incidents of this nature raise serious concerns about the safety of journalists and can have a wider impact on freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
The Bengal Working Journalists Association said the allegations made by Mahboob Raza should be examined objectively and without prejudice. Rather than reaching conclusions before the investigation is completed, the authorities should establish the facts, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are substantiated.
Association Calls for Protection of Journalists
The association’s president and editor of Qalam Times, Dr. Mohammad Farooque, condemned the incident and said that any alleged assault on a journalist while performing professional duties was a matter of serious concern.
Farooq said the police administration should thoroughly investigate the allegations made by Mahboob Raza, establish what happened during the incident and determine whether any individuals were involved in the alleged attack. If the allegations are found to be true, he said, the persons responsible should face appropriate legal action.
He further stressed that journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties in an environment free from threats, intimidation and undue pressure. According to him, ensuring the safety of journalists is an important responsibility of the administration, and incidents involving alleged violence against members of the press should be treated seriously to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Association General Secretary Noorullah Javed also condemned the alleged incident and said that disagreement with journalistic reporting is not, by itself, a justification for violence.
Javed said that in a democratic society, people have the right to question, criticise or disagree with news reports. However, he emphasised that disagreements should be addressed through journalistic, legal or other peaceful means rather than through violence.
“Disagreement with journalism can be addressed through journalistic or legal channels, but resorting to violence amounts to an attack on freedom of expression and press freedom.”
Javed called on the police administration to conduct an impartial investigation into the entire matter and verify the allegations made by the journalist. He said that if the investigation establishes the involvement of any individual in the alleged assault, action should be taken against the person concerned in accordance with the law.
The Bengal Working Journalists Association also appealed to the state administration and police authorities to strengthen measures for the protection of journalists and provide them with a secure environment in which to perform their professional responsibilities.
The association said that attempts to silence journalists through threats, intimidation, pressure or violence should not be tolerated. It reiterated that it would continue to raise its voice in support of journalists’ rights, professional safety and the fundamental principles of press freedom.
The incident has once again brought attention to the broader issue of the safety of journalists working in the field, particularly while gathering information and reporting on matters of public interest. The association maintained that the facts of the present case should ultimately be established through a proper and impartial investigation by the competent authorities.
