Media watchdog calls for probe into death of Indian journalist Akshay Singh

WASHINGTON: The Editors Guild of India today demanded a CBI probe into the death of TV journalist Akshay Singh, who died under mysterious circumstances while covering the high-profile Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh.

In a statement here, N Ravi, President of Editors Guild of India expressed shock over the mysterious death of Singh and offered deep condolences to his family.

"The Editors Guild of India is shocked by the mysterious death of Akshay Singh of the India Today group who was investigating the Vyapam Scam in Madhya Pradesh and offers its deep condolences to his family," he said.

"That he should join the 40 plus people connected with the scam who have lost their lives speaks of the insidious forces at work and the state of law and order in the state. The state police has so far proved unequal to the task of either investigating the scam or safeguarding critical witnesses and others connected with it," the statement said.

He also said that the death of Singh has come as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by journalists investigating high-profile scams.

"The Editors Guild of India demands a CBI enquiry into the death of Akshay Singh which has come as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by journalists investigating high profile scams," the statement said.