Journalist Prajapati found hanging after alleged threat from Mayor

RAUTAHAT: Journalist Rabindra Prajapati was found hanging at his residence in Katahariya Municipality-5, Rautahat, last evening.

The 30-year-old was immediately rushed to the hospital after family members cut him down, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajan Karki of the Area Police Office, Garuda, the body has been sent to Gaur Hospital for postmortem examination.

Prajapati was associated with Garuda Musical FM as a newsreader and also contributed news reports to local newspapers.

Family members allege that Prajapati had been receiving threats from Katahariya Municipality Mayor Ajay Prakash Jaiswal. The threats reportedly followed a news report written by Prajapati about ongoing drinking water issues in the municipality.

According to relatives, the journalist had been under considerable stress and had stopped leaving his home out of fear. Local residents also suspect that the mayor’s threats may have contributed to Prajapati’s death.

The Rautahat branch of Press Chautari Nepal had earlier issued a public statement condemning the mayor’s alleged threats toward Prajapati.

Following his death, Press Chautari Rautahat Chairperson Ashok Pahadi issued another statement demanding a thorough investigation into the threats and legal action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, DSP Karki stated that the police have not yet received any formal complaint or evidence regarding threats from Mayor Jayaswal toward the deceased journalist.