Journalists Demand Probe into Ranipet Attack on Two Colleagues, MLA Named in Allegations
Journalists from various media organisations held a protest at the Chennai Press Club on Thursday evening, condemning the recent assault on two journalists in Ranipet district. The attack is alleged to have been carried out at the behest of TVK's Sholinghur MLA G. Kapil.
The protesters urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to order an investigation and initiate criminal action against those responsible for the attack.
Speaking at the protest, N. Ram, veteran journalist and Director of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, said: “Irrespective of whether a political party is in power or not, it is our duty to condemn such attacks. Our demand is that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay take this matter seriously, ascertain the truth, and ensure appropriate action. A proper investigation must be conducted, and suitable punishment should be awarded to those found guilty. An FIR is yet to be registered, and it should be done immediately.”
Nakkheeran Editor Nakkheeran Gopal, Chennai Press Club president Suresh Vethanayagam, and general secretary Mohammed Aseef participated in the protest.
Mr. Vethanayagam said the journalists were only carrying out their professional duties and the assault was a direct attack on press freedom and the fundamental values of democracy.
Mr. Aseef alleged that the police remained passive instead of enforcing the law, and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the conduct of the police personnel present during the incident.
