Bastar journalist booked on charges of rioting, criminal conspiracy, acquitted

A Chhattisgarh Police Special Task Force Commander alleged that he had seen Yadav stand behind a Maoist fighter during an ambush in August that year. Yadav has maintained that he was not even in Darbha the day of the ambush.

Published on: Jan 2, 2020, 19:59:35 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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Bastar journalist Santosh Yadav who was booked on the charges of rioting, criminal conspiracy and associating with a terrorist organisation in 2015 has been acquitted by Jagdalpur NIA court on Thursday.

Santosh Yadav has maintained that he was not even in Darbha the day of the ambush. (Representative Image) (Getty Images/Vetta)

“I have never done anything illegal neither I was involved in any terrorist activity . I was booked over my stories I have done. I am happy that I am acquitted ,” Yadav told Hinduistan Times.

Yadav was picked up in September 2015. A Chhattisgarh Police Special Task Force Commander alleged that he had seen Yadav stand behind a Maoist fighter during an ambush in August that year. Yadav has maintained that he was not even in Darbha the day of the ambush.

“ Many tribals, journalists and activists were targeted by the authorities for raising voice against atrocities .. I am just one of them...They also need justice,” said Yadav who worked for several local newspapers.

“The Jagdalpur NIA court on Wednesday has acquitted Santosh Yadav,” said Arvind Chaudhary, advocate of Yadav.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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