Rishi Nagar, a longtime host with RED FM Calgary, was assaulted last week by two men in a parking lot in the 2800 block of Hopewell Place N.E., striking him repeatedly and forcing him to the pavement.
Red FM shared the news, On Sept 29th at 3 pm, our Host and News Director Rishi Nagar was attacked by 2 people. The complaint has been filed with the Calgary Police.”
A surveillance video captured the assault after Nagar had left a political event at the Rio Banquet Hall. The attack was halted when other men intervened and shielded a sitting Nagar, after which his assailants left.
Calgary police confirmed they attended the banquet hall around 3 p.m. on Sunday after reports of an assault. When officers arrived, they found one person with injuries consistent with a physical assault. He was not transported to hospital by EMS.
Nagar held a press conference in which he gave the details of the events that led to his attack. He believes he was attacked as a result of previous reporting he did connected to ongoing extortion. He said, “Many of you are aware I have spent a significant portion of my career reporting on the growing issues of extortions and criminal activities affecting the South Asian communities because the hardworking and the successful members of our community are living under constant fear and threat. It is important for the media to play its role and provide unbiased journalism.”
Nagar informed CBC that the attackers told him they were upset with recent reporting his outlet did. He said the coverage in question revolved around two weapons-related arrests last Wednesday at the Dashmesh Culture Centre.
Nagar, who was bandaged across the left eye, said the attack left him with painful eye injuries and have left him at risk of “retinal detachment.” But he said that he will not be silenced and continue to do unbiased reporting. “The physical injuries that I sustained including an injury to my eye the retina is under a risk of severe damage and these injuries are for sure painful but what wounds me more deeply is the intent behind this assault. It is a clear attack on journalism and on the free press. This was not a personal attack on me alone this was an assault on the very principles that bind us as a free and democratic Society.”
He further added, “I will not be silenced these cowardly actions will not deter me or my colleagues from continuing our work nor will they dissuade the Press from reporting on matters of public interest. They can break my eye not the resolve. “
Nagar is a one-time University of Calgary senator and a former member of the Calgary Police Service’s anti-racism committee.
He is a well know media personality in Calgary. Messages of support poured from across Canada once the news of his attack spread. Pierre Poilievre on his social media said, “Horrified by this violent assault on journalist Rishi Nagar. Glad to hear he is on the road to recovery. Freedom must prevail over fear. Bring home safe streets. I encourage anyone with information on this attack to contact local police.”
Alberta premier Danielle Smith said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the recent attack on Rishi Nagar, a respected journalist and news director at RedFM. In Alberta, we value freedom of the press and the safety of all citizens. Violence and intimidation against anyone, especially those who work tirelessly to inform the public, have no place in our society. My thoughts are with Rishi, his family, and colleagues during this difficult time, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery. Let’s continue to stand together against violence and uphold the values of respect and safety for all.”
Jyoti Gondek, mayor of Calgary, said, “My family has known Rishi since 2013, when Red FM Calgary took to the airwaves. We were shocked to learn about this vicious attack on a man with such compassion for humanity, and such journalistic integrity. I spoke with him today to offer support on behalf of Calgarians.”
Calgary police said, currently, no suspects are in custody. “As this is an active investigation, no further details are available at this time.”
