Press Council summons UP Chief Secretary in journalist case

New Delhi, Jul 12 (UNI) The Press Council of India(PCI) has summoned Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and the Secretary Home to depose before its Inquiry Committee tomorrow looking into the case of a Lakhimpur Khiri- based journalist who had allegedly received life threats from police which was 'upset' with his dispatches.

" In default of your appearance, the matter will be proceeded with and decided on the basis of such material as may be available before the Inquiry Committee", said the notice sent to the Chief Secretary.

The PCI also summoned a senior police officer formerly posted at Lakhimpur Khiri and on whose instance Samiuddin Neelu, staff reporter, Amar Ujala was allegedly kidnapped,later 'framed up' in violation of Wildlife Act and was sent to jail in February 9, 2005.

Mr Neelu's case also surfaced in UP State Assembly and Legislative Council in July last year and the speaker of the Upper House passed strictures against the concerned police officer and asked the state government to remove that officer from the post in Lakhimpur Khiri district.

Earlier last year, the journalist case rocked the press circles and a large number of mediapersons approached UP Chief Minister for justice. The State's Human Rights Commission also took a note of the development.

The concerned police official was earlier summoned on May 4 this year and had sought some more time before deposing before the PCI inquiry Committee.

UNI/JSS PK HT1615