CALGARY, Canada (Diya TV) — A 27-year-old Indo-Canadian Sikh man has been arrested and charged with assault after a prominent radio journalist was beaten up in Calgary last month. Dilpreet Singh faces one count of assault after the incident involving Rishi Nagar, news director at Red FM Calgary.
The alleged assault took place on September 29 as Nagar was leaving an event focused on local elections. Reports said Nagar was attacked after covering a sensitive story involving a local gurdwara and two other Indo-Canadians who were recently arrested on firearms charges. This, according to reports, was what sparked the attack.
In the Calgary media scene, Nagar is a well known figure, and he did not sustain major injuries. He, however, indicated concerns over journalist safety while reporting on controversial issues. In an interview with local media, he was categorical that such an incident reminds reporters of some of the dangers they encounter in their profession, especially when reporting on divisive issues within communities.
The Calgary Police Service confirmed Singh’s arrest and scheduled a court appearance on November 15, 2024. Said a police spokesperson, the investigation into circumstances of the attack is still ongoing, but once again stressed “the need to protect members of the press and uphold freedom of expression in Canada.”
He has not yet commented on the charges publicly. The arrest of Singh has created discussion in the local Indo-Canadian community on the increased tensions related to sensitive news issues, mainly religion and culture.
As the case unfolds, there is already much attention on how these events may play out to ensure media freedom and civic voices in Calgary. Nagar’s attack has already called for increased protection and awareness of dangers against them in covering contentious issues among local journalists.
