BANDIPORA, OCTOBER 25: The District Hospital Bandipora has drawn sharp criticism after its administration reportedly filed a complaint against a local journalist instead of addressing long-standing issues related to healthcare delivery. The move has sparked outrage among media circles and citizens, who view it as an attempt to suppress press freedom and divert attention from the hospital’s shortcomings.
According to reports, the hospital administration lodged a complaint against journalist Danish Ali after he went live on social media a few days ago, highlighting alleged mismanagement and delay in patient care. Danish’s cousin had sustained injuries in a road accident at Papchan, and he reportedly faced a delay of over an hour in ambulance arrangement for referral to another facility.
Rather than addressing the genuine grievances raised, the administration allegedly chose to initiate a complaint against the journalist. Sources claim that signatures of several doctors and staff members were taken under pressure for inclusion in the complaint letter — some of whom reportedly do not even know the journalist personally.
Legal experts point out that there is no existing law in India that prohibits citizens from recording videos in public places, including hospitals, as long as patient privacy is not violated. The attempt to penalize a journalist for highlighting civic issues has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the district’s healthcare system.
This is not the first instance in Bandipora where complaints have been filed against journalists for performing their professional duties. Observers note a growing pattern of targeting those who work with honesty and integrity, particularly those who raise legitimate concerns about governance and public service.
The Bandipora Working Journalists Association (BWJA) has strongly condemned the complaint filed against journalist Danish Ali, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence the press. In a statement, the association expressed solidarity with the journalist and urged the administration to withdraw the complaint immediately, terming such actions “unwarranted and undemocratic.” The BWJA further called upon authorities to ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear or pressure.
The people of Bandipora continue to hope that public institutions will treat truth as a means of reflection and improvement — not as an act of defiance.