Two journalists killed in India

Two journalists killed in India

NEW DELHI - Two journalists died on the spot as a SUV (sports utility vehicle) rammed their bike in Bhojpur district of Bihar on Sunday night.

Family members of the journalists and locals alleged that they have been “murdered” by a former village Mukhia (village head).

Journalists Navin Nishchal and his associate, Vijay Singh, who worked for Hindi daily *Dainik Bhaskar, *were hit by the vehicle on the Ara-Sasaram highway under the Garhani police station limits.

The SUV was allegedly driven by Mohd. Harsu, husband of former village head Saheeda Pravin.

Mr. Nischal's brother has lodged an FIR in the police station against Mr. Harsu, his son and others. Mr. Nischal had heated arguments with Mr. Harsu and his family members recently, the brother and some villagers said.

“The incidents smacks a well-hatched conspiracy to murder the journalists by ramming an SUV on them so that it will look like an accident,” the villagers said.

They alleged that as Mr. Nishchal and Mr. Singh were returning to the village, Mr. Harsu and his companion rammed the SUV into their bike and fled from the accident site. The SUV was later set on fire.

However, it is alleged that Mr. Harsu and his companions themselves set the vehicle on fire before fleeing from the spot “to remove” any evidence.