Mangalore: Several journalists from across the state took to the street, condemning the attack on electronic media reporters, while performing their duty in Bidar. As part of the state-wide protest, the members of Dakshina Kannada electronic media held a protest here in front of DC’s office on Monday, September 22.
On Sunday, reporters from Suvarna, Btv and Raj news went to videograph the illegal plant, which was allegedly indulging in producing hydrogenated vegetable oil (dalda) out of cow’s meat. Meanwhile, nearly 40 miscreants belonging to the factory attacked the journalists and threatened them not to telecast the news. The incident was widely condemned across the state.
In Mangalore, addressing the protestors, Mohammed Irshad and Tharanath said an attack on media is condemnable. Irshad said the reporters in Bidar were doing their duty. Freedom of speech and expression is our constitutional right, while Tharanath asked the government to provide security to both the reporters and to their family.
Tharanath said the government has to take action those who are engaged in the illegal activities. Media is the voice of the people, and government has to support it, he said.
Besides, the member of Mangalore Press Club submitted a memorandum to the DC, urging the government to take action against the miscreants.
Later in the day, CM Siddaramaiah told reporters that such action against the media is condemnable. He called up the Superintendent of Police to investigate the case and submit the report.
