New Delhi, May 19 – In an incident of brazen high-handedness by political goons, a crew of the Headlines Today was attacked by DMK supporters in Chennai on Sunday. Headlines Today correspondent P Priyamvatha and cameraman Daniel were manhandled while they were on an assignment to cover the news about MK Stalin’s purported resignation as the party’s treasurer. Camera and other equipment were also damaged by the attackers in order to destroy the footage.
The attackers were allegedly the supporters of MK Stalin, and were angry over the reports about resignation by their leader. The attackers also blamed media for the party’s debacle in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.
The journalists from several other media organisation were also injured the attack. Expressing regret over the attack on the media persons, DMK organising secretary T.K.S. Elangovan said the party cadres “could have misunderstood the comments of media persons” and attacked them.
He also said miscreants present at the spot could have tried to create mischief. Chennai Press Club joint secretary Bharathi Thamizhan condemned the attack on the journalists gathered outside Stalin’s residence “in pursuit of their professional duty”.
Thamizhan said that a representation has been given to Chennai Police Commissioner J.K. Tripathy to take action against the attackers. In a statement, the Madras Reporters Guild demanded the immediate arrest of the DMK cadres. “Police should ensure that press people are allowed to discharge their duties in a free and frank manner,” guild president R. Rangaraj said.
-INDIA TODAY
