New Delhi: Rights organisation Amnesty International India on Monday sought an independent probe into "mowing down" of a journalist in Madhya Pradesh and demanded the state government bring the guilty to book and send out a clear message that such attacks will not be tolerated.

Reacting to reports of Sandeep Sharma, a journalist investigating illegal sand mining, being mowed down by a truck in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, Asmita Basu, Programmes Director, Amnesty International India said the killing illustrates the risks that human rights defenders in India face.

She noted that the journalist had sought police protection after doing two 'sting' operations.

"An independent and impartial probe must investigate this murder. Many brave journalists, activists and whistleblowers have been harassed, threatened and killed for exposing human rights abuses and corruption," she said.

Basu said that in many cases, lives could have been saved if authorities had acted on reports of threats and other abuses.

"Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan needs to bring those responsible to book and send a clear message that these attacks will not be tolerated," she said.

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Melbourne, Dec 27: The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) on Friday said Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar has accepted its invitation to become an honourary member of the prestigious institution.

Founded in 1838, the MCC is one of the oldest sports clubs in Australia and is responsible for the management and development of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the game's premier venues.

"An icon honoured. The MCC is pleased to announce that former Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar has accepted an Honorary Cricket Membership, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the game," the MCC posted on 'X'.

The legendary Tendulkar currently holds the record of most runs at MCG with 449 from five Tests at an average of 44.90 and a strike-rate of 58.69 with a hundred and three fifties.

Earlier in 2012, Tendulkar was awarded the Order of Australia, one of the country's highest honours.

The MCG is currently hosting the vital fourth and penultimate Test match between India and Australia with the rubber evenly poised at 1-1.