Journalist threatened, beaten and robbed while reporting clashes at Pashupatinath
KATHMANDU/August 18: Journalist Shyam Sundar Pudasaini was threatened, beaten, and robbed while covering the escalating clash between Bijay Bhandari’s supporters and the police during the Kotihom, a sacred Hindu ritual at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, on Friday, August 16.
According to Pudasaini, he has written four news stories for Nepal Views, where he works. After these reports and several complaints against Bhandari, the police approached him while he was waiting in the parking lot after the Kotihom. However, Bhandari refused to accompany the police, sparking resistance from his supporters.
The dispute escalated when the police started questioning, leading to chaos. Following Bhandari’s instructions, the crowd then attacked the police. Bhandari, also known as Krishnamurthi, has been labeled a ‘giant thug’ by the media.
Bhandari went on to say, “Touch me, and I will show you what I am capable of.” He summoned his followers and requested a confrontation with the police. He also stated, “We will turn this country worse than Bangladesh.”
Several followers have seen his statements in videos posted on various social media platforms. Meantime, police arrested two people involved in the clash. A few moments later, the announcer on stage announced the name of journalist Pudasaini. Bijay Bhandari’s followers surrounded him as he arrived to report on the tense situation in Pashupatinath.
Nepal Views was live on Facebook from the scene of the chaos that occurred during the completion of Kotihom in Pashupatinath. During the chaotic midnight show, the announcer asked Pudasaini from the stage, “Are you against or in favor?”
The crowd lifted Pudasaini onto the stage and began garlanding and forcing him in a humiliating manner. Then he was thrown from the stage and beaten mercilessly. He was even threatened with death after questioning Kotihom irregularities.
Pudasaini told Media Action Nepal that when asked if he was in favor or against. He replied that as a journalist, he cannot be in favor or against it. “Then they dragged me down from the stage, thrashed me for 15 minutes, and stole my gold chain, wallet, and helmet,” he claimed. “I somehow managed to escape. It was raining, which helped me relax, and I saved myself.”
Media Action Nepal condemns such an attack on press freedom. It is never acceptable for reporters to be threatened, beaten, or robbed while doing their job. We demand robust action against those responsible, as well as compensation for journalist Pudasaini.
Featured Pic : Journalist Pudasaini’s Facebook