Vyapam scam: Slain TV journalist Akshay Singh cremated; SIT to probe his death

Bhopal/New Delhi July 5: Slain Television journalist from Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, who passed away on Saturday, July 4, in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, while covering the massive Vyapam scam case, was cremated on Sunday, July 5, at 2 pm at Nigambodh Ghat in the national capital.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Congress senior leader Ajay Maken and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia attended the funeral of slain journalist Akshay Singh.

While saying that he was deeply saddened by the TV journalist's demise, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the "Special Investigation Team (SIT) will investigate his death".

"This incident is highly unfortunate. My condolences to the family of the deceased", Chouhan said during a press conference. [Scribe dead; Congress demands probe]

"We are going to write a letter to the SIT probing Vyapam scam to investigate death of the TV journalist", Chouhan asserted.

He further said, "Probe into Vyapam scam is being done under HC's supervision. State Govt can't override the orders of HC or SC."

"I am proud that we attempted to clean the system,as a result of which things like these (Vyapam scam)came to the forefront", he added.

One of the eyewitness, Om Prakash told a news agency, "He suddenly started frothing at the mouth, hands started trembling and he collapsed."

Meanwhile Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "We are not pointing fingers in this point of death, but we are raising serious concerns. Our heart reaches out to family of the journalist who has become the 44th victim of suspected death in Vyapam scam of MP."

Another Congress leader RPN Singh said, "There should be an independent probe into the death of journalists in the country. If a CBI enquiry is ordered into Vyapam scam, things will get crystal clear."

"There have been more than 25 deaths over Vyapam Scam in MP. When will State and Centre Govt wake up from their slumber", he asked.

"If MP CM does not have anything to hide then why is he scared of a CBI probe into Vyapam scam?", he asked.

Congress senior leader Manish Tewari even wondered "if this is Polonium or some other mysterious substance all the way".

AAP leader Manish Sisodia said, "There must be an independent probe into the journalist's death sans the State Govt, State Police or Centre's involvement."

Abha Singh, a social activist said, "The death of the journalist in suspicious circumstances needs immediate investigation. PM Modi should now pay attention to the scam and investigation should be completed asap so that no more innocents are killed."

Akshay Singh was in Madhya Pradesh for coverage of the recent deaths due to the scam in the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) or Vyapam.

On Saturday, he was in Meghnagar in Jhabua to talk to the family members of scam-accused Namrata Damor, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances.

The India Today Group, in a statement, said it was deeply saddened by the untimely death of Akshay Singh, who was working with Aaj Tak as a special correspondent since December 2013.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Dy CM Manish Sisodia at Nigambodh Ghat for TV journalist Akshay Singh's final rites. pic.twitter.com/l1XnzqYpZ0

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2015

Delhi: Cong Vice-President Rahul Gandhi at Nigambodh Ghat for the final rites of TV journalist Akshay Singh. pic.twitter.com/qdH6tmWiyn

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2015

SIT to investigate TV journalist's death: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan pic.twitter.com/yh6xRumNTy

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2015

The moot question is that nobody trusts MP Govt or the CM's word unfortunately: Manish Tewari pic.twitter.com/vYPHR9YXYF

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2015

Both the journalist’s death and #Vyapam scam must be probed by an SIT under SC’s regular monitoring: Manish Sisodia pic.twitter.com/xKcxdueLOZ

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 5, 2015

My condolences on sad & untimely demise of young journalist Akshay Singh. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) July 5, 2015

I met Akshay one day before he left for MP. Warned him to be careful. I am shocked ! Pay homage to him and convey condolences to his family.

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) July 4, 2015

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