Day after journalist killed in road accident, Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders CBI probe

BHOPAL: A day after a journalist was run over by a truck in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday ordered for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

On Monday, 35-year-old investigative journalist Sandeep Sharma who was probing possible links between the sand mafia and police officials was run over by a dumper in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind.

Sharma, a journalist with a national news channel, was on a motorcycle when a dumpster behind him suddenly veered to the left - crushing Sharma instantly. Video footage of the incident raises suspicion that Sharma may, in fact, have been murdered as the manner in which the dumpster swayed appears suspicious.

Following the incident, Madhya Pradesh police arrested the man who was allegedly driving the truck that ran over and killed him.

The driver has been identified as Ranvir Singh, and police have said he does not possess a licence to drive heavy vehicles.

The state police had announced that a Special Investigative Team (SIT) was being set up to investigate Sharma's death.

The whole incident had been captured on a security camera in the vicinity. The video clip from the security footage was shared on social media and led to doubts that he may have been murdered.

Adding to speculations of foul play is the fact that the journalist had previously complained to the police of threats to his life. He had at the time said the threats were because of the investigations he was carrying out for his reportage. Now, an SIT has been formed to look into the tragic incident.

Local media reports say the incident took place close to a police station, and that cops reached the spot almost immediately. They said the area was cordoned off after the incident. Sharma had been rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The issue had also attracted criticism from Congress leader Jytoiraditya Scindia, who on Monday had demanded a CBI inquiry into Sharma's death.