Jatinder Kaur Tur becomes first woman journalist from Punjab to win Chameli Devi Jain Award
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 23, 2025 – Jatinder Kaur Tur, a senior journalist from Punjab, has made history as the first woman journalist from the state to receive the prestigious Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year 2024.
The award, presented by The Media Foundation, recognizes her fearless and in-depth investigative journalism published in The Caravan throughout 2024.
Jatinder’s award-winning work highlighted human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly her groundbreaking investigation into the torture and deaths of 26 Gujjar men by the Indian Army in December 2023.
Her initial report, published in The Caravan's February 2024 issue, led to significant controversy, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordering its removal from the magazine’s website—a decision that The Caravan challenged in court.
A year later, Jatinder’s follow-up investigation in February 2025 uncovered documentary evidence and firsthand testimony from soldiers involved, confirming her original report and exposing the military chain of command behind the incident. She also spoke to the families of the victims, many of whom had lost hope for justice.
With over 25 years of experience, Jatinder Kaur Tur has worked with leading publications including The Indian Express, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Deccan Chronicle. Known for her fearless reporting on human rights violations, state abuses, caste-based discrimination, and gender violence, she has consistently exposed stories that challenge power.
Her investigative pieces have covered:
- Notorious Nihang leader Ajit Singh Poohla
- Organized kidney rackets
- Mob lynchings in the name of religion
- Corruption scandals in government departments and religious shrines
- Farmers’ protests, including the killing of Navreet Singh and Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni’s role
Jatinder’s investigative report on civilian killings by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir has also been shortlisted for the Fetisov Journalism Awards 2024 in the "Outstanding Contribution to Peace" category. The winners will be announced in April 2025.
Her fearless work on the rise of Amritpal Singh and the forces backing his campaign further showcases her bold, fact-based journalism and commitment to truth.
As the first woman journalist from Punjab to receive this prestigious award, Jatinder Kaur Tur’s achievement marks a historic moment for independent journalism and press freedom in India.