NEW DELHI, March 26 (Xinhua) -- A young journalist investigating an illegal sand mining case in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh was Monday killed after being run over by a dumper truck, police said.
The accident took place in Bhind, about 465 km north of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.
The 35-year-old working as a stringer for a TV news channel was identified as Sandeep Sharma.
"Today a dumper truck mowed down Sandeep Sharma in Bhind district," a police official said. "He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to injuries."
Sharma had done two investigative stories exploring police-sand mafia link and had sought police protection citing a threat to his life.
Sharma's family alleged the accident seems to be planned.
Police officials said they have ordered an investigation into the accident.
On Sunday night two journalists were run over by a local leader's car in eastern state of Bihar.
The families of the journalists alleged they have been murdered after being deliberately hit by the car.
India ranks 136 on the World Press Freedom Index for 2017, released by Reporters Without Borders for 180 countries.
Analysts say India is becoming a "more dangerous place" to practice journalism.
