Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Balaghat Journalist Challenges Special Media Access During Child Death Controversy
A journalist in Balaghat said local reporters were treated differently from reporters who came from outside the district.
She alleged that national media could enter a hospital, while local journalists were stopped.
Her comments came after people questioned Abhijeet Dipke during his visit.
Dipke had gone to villages to meet families affected by the deaths of tribal children.
He later apologised for arriving late.
The dispute is partly about who should be allowed to report from hospitals and affected areas.
Some reports and social media posts say more than 1,000 children recovered after treatment.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court is asking the state government to respond about the deaths of more than 30 children.
The court case also includes allegations about overcrowding and poor sanitation.
Balaghat journalist Madhuri Katere accused the district administration and Public Relations Department of giving national media special access during Abhijeet Dipke’s visit.
Katere alleged that outside media were allowed into hospitals while local journalists faced locked doors and restricted access.
Her comments followed an incident in which people described as social media influencers questioned Dipke about whether he was politicising the child deaths.
Dipke visited Adori, Korka and Bondari villages to meet families and gather information about healthcare facilities, later apologising for arriving late.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought responses from state authorities over the deaths of more than 30 children and allegations of inadequate treatment.
- Who
- Balaghat journalist Madhuri Katere, Abhijeet Dipke, local journalists, outside media and the Balaghat district administration are central to the controversy.
- What
- Katere challenged the alleged preferential access given to national media during Dipke’s visit, amid scrutiny of more than 30 tribal children’s deaths.
- When
- The controversy followed Dipke’s Saturday visit; the Madhya Pradesh High Court recently sought responses from state authorities.
- Where
- Balaghat, including Adori, Korka, Bondari and a hospital treating affected children.
- Why
- Dipke visited to meet families and gather information about healthcare, while journalists and the court raised questions about media access, treatment and local conditions.
Local Media and Access Concerns
Outside Coverage and Official Response
Access to hospitals
Local Media and Access Concerns
Madhuri Katere alleged that national media were allowed to report inside the hospital while local journalists faced locked doors.
Outside Coverage and Official Response
The report describes the alleged access difference but does not include a direct response from the district administration or Public Relations Department.
Purpose of Dipke’s visit
Local Media and Access Concerns
People appearing to be social media influencers questioned whether Abhijeet Dipke had come to do politics over the children’s deaths.
Outside Coverage and Official Response
Dipke said through his visit that he was meeting affected families and gathering information about healthcare facilities; he later apologised for arriving late.
Condition of children and healthcare
Local Media and Access Concerns
The court petition alleged inadequate treatment, overcrowding, poor sanitation and links between local conditions and infections.
Outside Coverage and Official Response
A social media post cited in the article claimed that more than 1,000 children had recovered after receiving medical treatment and support.
- Journalist
- Madhuri Katere of Balaghat criticized the alleged treatment of local media.
- Visitor
- Abhijeet Dipke visited affected villages and later apologised for arriving late.
- Reported deaths
- More than 30 tribal children reportedly died in the region.
- Court action
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notices to state departments, the Balaghat collector and others.
- Hospital allegation
- A petition alleged that about 400 children were being treated at a hospital with capacity for 50 beds.
- Recovery claim
- A social media post cited in the report said more than 1,000 children had recovered after treatment and support.