Chief Editor of Aarthiknews Indra Baniya Receives Death Threats; FNJ Demands Action
16th August 2025, Kathmandu
The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Kathmandu strongly condemns death threats made against Senior Journalist and Chief Editor of Aarthiknews Indra Baniya following a report on irregularities at the National Trauma Center. Calls for immediate investigation and action.
Chief Editor of Aarthiknews Indra Baniya
The Kathmandu branch of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has issued a strong condemnation following an incident where a female staff member at the National Trauma Center allegedly threatened Senior Journalist and Chief Editor of Aarthiknews, Indra Baniya, with physical harm and death.
In a press release issued on Friday, Ramesh Kumar Bohora, Secretary of the FNJ Kathmandu branch, unequivocally stated that “the use of abusive language, insults, offensive behavior, and direct threats to a journalist’s life are completely unacceptable under any circumstances.”
The Investigative Report and Subsequent Threats
The incident reportedly stems from a news report published by journalist Baniya, in his professional capacity, via Arthik News on Shrawan 29. The article, titled “Dozens of Employees Appointed in Financial Transactions at National Trauma Center; Complaint Filed Against Chief; Health Minister Silent,” brought to light critical public interest issues. These included concerns regarding financial transparency, alleged irregularities in the appointment process, and the perceived silence of responsible authorities.
Following the publication of this report, some staff members at the Trauma Center, reportedly dissatisfied with the revelations, allegedly displayed aggressive, insulting, and threatening behavior toward the journalist.
Violation of Press Freedom and Legal Ramifications
The FNJ Kathmandu branch highlighted that such actions constitute a direct violation of the Press Code of Conduct 2073, specifically Section 5, which explicitly prohibits physical and mental attacks on journalists. Furthermore, the branch underscored that this behavior is also a punishable offense under the Muluki Criminal Code 2074.
Secretary Bohora strongly condemned what he termed a “criminal and inhumane attack” against the journalist. He issued an urgent call to relevant security authorities and the administration to conduct an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation, demanding that the perpetrators be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Upholding Democratic Values and Press Safety
The press release emphatically stated: “A free press, the right to truthful information, and fearless journalism are pillars of democratic governance. Such attacks create fear, insecurity, and self-censorship among journalists, ultimately undermining citizens’ right to information.”
The Kathmandu branch of the FNJ reiterated to all stakeholders that ensuring the safety of journalists is a shared responsibility, involving the government, judiciary, police administration, and civil society. They urged the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy toward such incidents, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting those who work to inform the public and uphold transparency.
For more: Chief Editor of Aarthiknews Indra Baniya
