Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Dec 16: A court in Bihar’s Jamui district on Tuesday delivered a decisive verdict in the murder case of journalist Gokul Kumar, sentencing six accused to life imprisonment. The judgment was pronounced in Sessions Trial No. 97/23 by Additional District Judge–7 Amarendra Kumar.
The court found Birbal Yadav, Muneshwar Yadav, Ajay Yadav, Pankaj Yadav, Yogendra Yadav and Sarfaraz Ansari guilty of the killing. According to the prosecution, Gokul Kumar left his home around 10.30 am on August 10, 2022, to gather news. Soon after exiting his village, he was allegedly ambushed by the accused, who surrounded him and shot him multiple times, killing him on the spot.
The brazen daylight murder had sparked widespread outrage in Jamui and triggered protests by journalist organisations across Bihar, with demands for swift justice and stronger protection for media professionals.
Following the verdict, journalist unions, social activists and members of the public expressed relief and satisfaction. The victim’s family and several journalist bodies thanked the court and the presiding judge for delivering justice, calling the ruling a strong affirmation of the right to independent and fearless journalism.
Journalist organisations said the judgment sends a clear message that attempts to silence the truth will be met with the strictest punishment under the law. They also urged the state government to implement concrete measures to ensure journalists’ safety and to guarantee prompt investigation and justice in cases involving attacks on media personnel.
Reacting to the decision, members of Gokul Kumar’s family said they had finally received justice after a prolonged legal battle and expressed hope that the verdict would act as a deterrent against future crimes targeting journalists.
Public prosecutor Chandrashekhar Singh Azad of the Jamui Civil Court said the conviction was based on medical evidence, official records and the testimonies of witnesses, which together conclusively proved the guilt of the accused, leading to life imprisonment for all six.