GUWAHATI: The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has called on the Indian authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of Assam journalist Parag Bhuyan, who was fatally injured on November 11 in a hit and run car accident in Kakopathar and later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver who hit the journalist was arrested on the day following the incident.

“I deplore the death of Parag Bhuyan. I trust that the Indian authorities will ensure a timely investigation to shed light on the circumstances of Parag Bhuyan’s death. No effort should be spared to enable journalists to exercise their professional safety, without let or hindrance,” Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay said.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity

Following the alleged murder, the Assam government ordered a probe. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal ordered a probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Sonowal had said, “Bhuyan has made a significant contribution in the field of journalism and his death is an irreparable loss to the society. I convey deep sympathy to the bereaved family and pray for eternal peace of the departed soul,”