IPC summons UP DGP, secretary over journalist harassment case

Lakhimpur Kheri, Apr 29 (UNI) The Indian Press Council (IPC) today summoned Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Vikram Singh and Secretary (home) Mahesh Gupta on May 2 and 3 in a local journalist harassment case.

Journalist Samiuddin alias Neelu had accused the then Lakhimpur Kheri Superintendent of Police (SP) N Padmaja of abducting him on February 9, 2005, and issuing life threats.

Mr Neelu also alleged he was booked under a fake case.

On August 30, 2007, the IPC fact finding committee had summoned the DGP and Secretary (home) in New Delhi. However, both the officials did not turn up.

Taking serious note of their absence, the Indian Press Council has summoned Mr Singh and Mr Gupta on May 2 and 3 in the conference hall of the director information.

The Committee would ask the officials that when the CB-CID probe had given a clean chit to Mr Neela, why case was not withdrawn against him and he not provided with adequate security cover notwithstanding the Committee's orders.

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