The India Freedom of Expression Initiative (IFEI) has welcomed the directions of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to award compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to the next of kin of journalist Shahdev Dey, who was found dead after going missing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
NHRC’s decision came after Dey’s charred body was found on April 2, 2025. Dey, the owner of the local news channel ‘Republic Andaman,’ had been reported missing since March 29, 2025.
In a directive issued on September 9, 2025, the NHRC instructed both the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to provide monetary compensation of five lakh each to Dey’s next of kin within two weeks.
On April 3, 2025, Suhas Chakma, Convenor of the IFEI, lodged a complaint with the NHRC alleging that journalist Shahdev Dey, who was known for exposing illegal activities like timber smuggling and gambling, was murdered to silence his “fearless journalism.”
In its report to the NHRC, the Andaman Police stated that FIR No. 24/2025 dated 01/04/2025 was registered at Diglipur Police Station under sections 103(1)/61(2)/238 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, and an investigation was taken up under the supervision of Inspector Vijay Kumar, SHO of Diglipur Police Station.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to ensure an impartial, transparent, and expeditious investigation into the murder of the journalist. The four accused persons, namely S. Gangaya (48 yrs), Ramasubramaniyan (47 yrs), Bithika Mallik (35 yrs), and M. Ramesh (44 yrs), were arrested in connection with the crime.
The accused confessed to the crime, and the evidence seized collectively confirms the premeditated nature of the crime. The motive for the crime was directly linked to the journalist’s reporting on illegal activities in the area.
The NHRC in its order stated, “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 it a fit case, where the victim’s family is to be provided with monetary compensation.”
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“The journalists across the country are facing increased threats, especially from non-state actors to their lives and liberties, because of their profession of journalism. The order of the NHRC and prosecution of the accused is a step in the right direction to protect the journalists,” Suhas Chakma said.
