Grassroots reporting remains highly dangerous in India. In December 2025, two journalists investigating corruption at a Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Madhya Pradesh were held hostage, beaten, and had their equipment vandalized by local “middlemen”. Despite clear video evidence and an FIR for attempted culpable homicide, local police delayed arrests.

The Bharat Media Association condemns this systemic failure, emphasizing that local corruption mafias will continue to thrive if grassroots reporters are punished for their scrutiny.