Prayagraj, October 24, 2025 – The streets of Prayagraj, once known for its quiet mornings and bustling markets, turned into a scene of horror yesterday when veteran journalist Laxmi Narayan Singh was stabbed to death in broad daylight. The 54-year-old reporter, a familiar face in local news circles, was attacked near a small hotel in the Civil Lines area, just steps away from the city’s administrative heart. Eyewitnesses described a frenzy of violence: the assailant lunging at Singh with a sharp knife, striking him 20 to 25 times in a matter of seconds before fleeing into the crowd.
Singh, who went by the nickname Pappu among friends and colleagues, succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Relatives rushed to the scene, their cries echoing through the narrow lanes as emergency services arrived too late. “He was a fighter, always chasing the truth no matter the risk,” said his younger brother, Ravi Narayan, his voice breaking during a brief conversation outside the family home. “Who could do this to him? Over what?”
Police moved swiftly, launching a manhunt that ended in dramatic fashion just two hours later. The main suspect, identified as Vishal with a prior grudge against Singh, was nabbed after a brief shootout in a nearby alley. According to Additional Commissioner of Police Ajay Pal Sharma, the attack stemmed from a heated argument the day before, on October 22. “It was a personal dispute that boiled over,” Sharma told reporters at the scene, emphasizing that the investigation was ongoing to uncover any deeper motives. The accused, now under custody with 3 bullet injuries from the encounter, faces charges of murder under BNS. Two accomplices are also being questioned, though their roles remain unclear.
For those who knew Singh, the loss cuts deep. A stringer for several regional Hindi dailies, he had spent over two decades covering everything from municipal corruption to rural hardships in Uttar Pradesh. His stories often highlighted the struggles of the underdog, earning him quiet respect but also enemies along the way. “Laxmi ji never backed down from a tough assignment,” recalled fellow journalist Meera Devi, who worked alongside him at a local press club. “He’d say, ‘If we don’t speak up, who will?’ Now, his voice is silenced forever.”
This tragedy isn’t isolated. It’s the fourth violent attack on journalists in Uttar Pradesh in recent months, fueling widespread outrage and cries of lawlessness. Just weeks ago, reporters in nearby districts faced assaults while probing land scams and political favoritism. Activists point to a chilling pattern: threats ignored, protections promised but rarely delivered. The Press Club of India issued a statement late last night, demanding a special investigation team and stricter safety protocols for media workers. “Uttar Pradesh can’t afford to lose its watchdogs,” the statement read, echoing sentiments from national bodies like the Editors Guild.
As dawn broke today, Prayagraj’s Civil Lines wore a somber air. Yellow police tape fluttered around the bloodstained spot, while small groups of reporters gathered, notebooks in hand, sharing memories of Singh’s easy laugh and sharp insights. His family, huddled in their modest two-room home on the city’s outskirts, prepares for a funeral that promises to draw hundreds. Political figures have weighed in too – opposition leaders slamming the state government for failing to curb rising violence, while ruling party spokespersons vow “zero tolerance” and swift justice.
But beyond the headlines, Singh’s death raises tougher questions. In a country where journalism is both a calling and a gamble, how safe are those who hold power to account? Uttar Pradesh, with its vast media landscape and tangled web of influences, has long been a tinderbox for such stories. Friends whisper of old feuds, perhaps tied to Singh’s reporting on local real estate deals gone sour. Police haven’t confirmed, but the rumor mill churns on.
As the sun sets on this grieving city, one thing is clear: Laxmi Narayan Singh’s murder isn’t just a personal loss. It’s a stark reminder that the pen, or in his case, the notepad, can be mightier than the sword – until it meets one head-on. His colleagues pledge to carry on his work, demanding answers and action. For now, Prayagraj holds its breath, waiting to see if justice will outpace the shadows.
