Bwizamani Singh, Indian Journalist, Shot Dead By Police During Protests Of Violence Against Women

Journalist Killed By Indian Police Amid Gang-Rape Protests

Authorities in India are investigating the death of Bwizamani Singh, a reporter who was killed after police opened fire on a crowd of protesters on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

Singh, who worked for the satellite-distributed Prime News channel that covers northeast India, was shot dead after police used live ammunition to disperse a crowd that had gathered in Imphal to demonstrate against the sexual assault of a local actress and other recent violence against women in India.

Five police officers were suspended following the incident, but critics are calling for more action.

"Indian officials must fully explain the circumstances of this killing, and hold all of those responsible fully accountable. It is the only way to improve the police response to such public outcries in the future," Bob Dietz, Asia program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement.

Crowds had gathered Sunday to demonstrate against the public sexual assault against actress Khangembam Momoco at a rally Dec. 18. A member of a separatist group allegedly groped the actress and shot at several other performers, the Times of India reports.

According to CPJ, the demonstration in Imphal was part of a wave of protests against sexual violence across India. Protests have raged since earlier this month when a 23-year-old female student in Delhi was gang raped for hours by several men on a bus. Shocking details of the brutal assault on the young woman have led to calls for justice and greater security for women and girls.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot