Born in Dehradun, India
Krishna Sen
Deceasedकृष्ण सेन
Also known as Ichchhuk
Journalist and poet who died in police custody during the Maoist insurgency, a case widely cited by press freedom organisations
About
Krishna Sen wrote under the pen name Ichchhuk. He edited the pro-Maoist weekly newspaper Janadesh. He was active in progressive writers’ and journalists’ associations during Nepal’s civil conflict.
In May 2002, at the height of the Maoist insurgency, he was arrested. The government had passed a sweeping anti-terrorism ordinance that made contact with Maoist rebels illegal. Sen died in police custody in Kathmandu, days after his arrest. His case drew international attention from press freedom organisations. It remains one of the most cited examples of the risks faced by journalists during Nepal’s civil conflict.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1956-10-19
- Birthplace
- Dehradun, India
- Profession
- Journalist, Poet, Editor
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 2002-05-27
Previous roles
Editor
Janadesh
Central Committee Member
Unified Jana Morcha Nepal
President
Akhil Nepal Jana Sanskritik Sangh
Career & life timeline
- 1956-10-19
- 1976
Published his first poem, "Bholi Prati", in Matribhumi Sapthahik
- 1995
Went into exile to work as the Maoist insurgency began
- 2002-05-20
Arrested by police under an anti-terrorism ordinance criminalising contact with Maoist rebels
- 2002-05-27
Died in police custody in Kathmandu, at age 45
Organizations & affiliations
- Janadesh
- Federation of Nepali Journalists
- Pragatisheel Lekhak Sangh
Last updated: 2026-09-06