Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 12 September 2025
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the brutal killing of journalist and social worker, late Shahdev Dey, and has directed the Andaman and Nicobar Administration as well as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) to extend monetary compensation to his family.
The Commission had received a complaint on April 3, 2025, from Suhas Chakma, Director of the IFEI (India Freedom of Expression Initiative), New Delhi, alleging that Dey, who owned the local news channel Republic Andaman, was targeted and murdered for his fearless reporting on illegal activities such as timber smuggling and gambling. His charred body was discovered on April 2, days after he went missing on March 29.
Taking cognizance of the complaint, the NHRC sought a report from the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration. In its reply dated June 23, 2025, the Dy. Superintendent of Police informed that FIR No. 24/2025 had been registered at PS Diglipur, investigation was taken up under the supervision of Inspector Vijay Kumar and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted. Four accused — S. Gangaya (48), Ramasubramaniyan (47), Bithika Mallik (35), and M. Ramesh (44) — were arrested and are currently in judicial custody at District Jail, Mayabunder.
The police report stated that material witness statements have been recorded before the court under Section 183 BNSS, 2023, and that the accused had confessed to the crime. The confession of the accused and the seized evidence collectively substantiate the premeditated nature of the crime, indicating a clear motive linked to the deceased’s reporting on illegal activities in the locality. The charge sheet is expected to be filed soon, pending forensic opinion from CFSL Hyderabad.
After reviewing the report, the NHRC observed, “As the killing of said journalist was established because of his daring reporting of illegal activities going on in the said area, the Commission deems its fit case, where the victim’s family to be provided with monetary compensation”. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, has been directed to release ₹5,00,000 to the next of kin within two weeks. Similarly, the Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has been asked to provide an additional ₹5,00,000 under the Journalist Welfare Scheme within two weeks. A copy of the proceedings has also been forwarded to the Press Council of India for perusal and record.
The matter has been scheduled to be put up before the Commission on October 9, 2025.
[Nicobar Times expresses its deep gratitude to the complainant Suhas Chakma, Director of the IFEI (India Freedom of Expression Initiative) for seeking justice, and to the National Human Rights Commission for acknowledging the grave threats faced by journalists. Late Shahdev Dey was not only a fellow journalist but also a dear friend to all of us. His courage and commitment to fearless reporting will continue to inspire us.]
