CALGARY, ALBERTA – In an alarming incident, two suspects are being pursued by the authorities after carrying out a violent attack on Rishi Nagar, the news director of a popular South Asian radio station in Calgary.
Nagar, a host at Red FM radio station, was present at the Rio Banquet hall on Sunday afternoon to cover a political event when the attack occurred. He believes that the assault, which resulted in an injured eye, was a deliberate attempt to silence him from reporting on important issues.
Recounting the harrowing experience, Nagar, with a bandage covering his eye, stated that he was approached by two men outside the hall who initiated a conversation before viciously striking him on the head. The force of the attack caused his glasses to fall off, followed by a blow to his eye that caused him to lose consciousness.
While no one was hospitalized, Nagar shared that doctors are monitoring his eye for any potential damage to his retina. A seasoned journalist known for shedding light on various challenges faced by the South Asian community, including violence and extortion, Nagar is convinced that the attack was a result of his fearless reporting on these pressing matters.
Declaring his unwavering commitment to upholding the values of journalism, Nagar addressed reporters, emphasizing that he sees this incident not as a personal assault but as an attack on the fundamental principles that underpin a democratic society. Despite the traumatic ordeal, he asserted that he and his colleagues will not be deterred from their investigative work.
The Calgary police responded to the assault at the banquet hall and confirmed that an investigation is underway. The suspects managed to escape before law enforcement arrived, and as of now, no details about the suspects have been disclosed.
As Nagar continues to recuperate and the investigation progresses, the incident has sparked concerns about press freedom and safety for journalists who strive to uncover the truth and hold power to account. The community awaits further developments in the case, hoping for a swift resolution and justice for the brazen attack on a dedicated journalist.