Assault on Press: Journalists Attacked While Reporting Councillor's Death in Kerala

A disturbing incident unfolded at the Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where journalists performing their duty were allegedly subjected to an unprovoked assault by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. The media personnel were covering the solemn event of the passing of K. Sreekumaran, a municipal councillor, when the attack reportedly occurred, raising serious alarms about the safety of the press in the region.

Eyewitness accounts and reports from the scene indicate that the journalists, representing various prominent media houses including Mathrubhumi News and Asianet News, were targeted while attempting to gather information and provide coverage of the councillor's death.

Among those reportedly attacked were Mathrubhumi News reporter Prasanth K. Nair and camera person Rajesh, along with Asianet News reporter Rejeswari and camera person Anil. Their equipment was also reportedly damaged during the altercation.

The sudden and violent nature of the alleged assault left the journalists shaken and injured.

Following the incident, a formal complaint was lodged with the local authorities. The police have since registered a case based on the filed reports, initiating an investigation into the matter to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack on media personnel.

In the aftermath of the incident, BJP leaders swiftly issued statements vehemently denying the allegations of their workers' involvement in the assault.

They contended that the accusations were baseless and that their party members were not responsible for the reported violence against the journalists.

The alleged attack triggered a wave of condemnation from across the media fraternity and various political spectrums. Media organizations, both local and national, united in protest, demanding swift action against the perpetrators and reaffirming the critical importance of protecting press freedom.

Journalists staged demonstrations, emphasizing that such acts of intimidation and violence against those reporting the news are an affront to democratic principles and must not go unpunished. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in the field and highlights the imperative for a safe and unhindered environment for media operations.