Instagram Restores Accounts of Journalists After Reporting on Child Deaths
Instagram has restored the accounts of three Indian journalists after they reported on child deaths in Madhya Pradesh. The accounts were initially suspended following their reporting.
Instagram reinstated the accounts of three independent journalists on September 8, 2026, after their reporting on child deaths in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. The accounts had been suspended on September 6, sparking concerns over freedom of expression and reporting.
The journalists, Monika Singh, Bindu Gurjar, and Lokbhadra Singh, were investigating reports of around 30 suspected child deaths over a three-month period. Their reporting focused on deaths within the Adivasi community, interviews with affected families, hospital management, and the challenges faced by frontline health workers.
The Press Club of India (PCI) condemned the account suspensions, alleging that the journalists also faced pressure and surveillance from local officials in Balaghat. The PCI has called for an investigation into the events and urged social media platforms to ensure their systems do not suppress independent reporting.
The incident has fueled debate about press freedom in India and potential attempts by authorities to silence critical reporting. The Indian Youth Congress accused the Madhya Pradesh government of "targeting" independent journalists and called on Meta to protect journalists' accounts.