Janakpur – Jaynarayan Yadav, Ward Chair of Dhanushadham Municipality–3, is accused of misbehaving with TV Today journalist Chandani Jha during her coverage of a local dispute over public land.
Locals had complained that Ward Chair Yadav was attempting to narrow an 18-foot-wide public road down to 10 feet to protect his own land. Journalist Jha, along with a cameraman, went to the site on Saturday morning to report on the issue.
During the reporting, supporters of Yadav tried to stop Jha, insisting that video footage could only be taken after consulting with the Ward Chair. Jha requested the supporters to contact Yadav herself.
According to witnesses, when the supporters called Yadav on speakerphone, he instructed them to slap the journalist twice before allowing her to record. Both Jha and local residents present at the scene reportedly heard this threatening statement, and evidence has been preserved.
Following the incident, Jha protested the disorderly and threatening behavior of the Ward Chair and has demanded legal action against him. She is preparing to file a formal complaint at the Dhanusha District Police Office today.
Taking the incident seriously, the Dhanusha branch of the Nepal Journalists Federation is also preparing to visit the police station with a delegation demanding necessary action against Ward Chair Yadav.
