Thoothukudi: Media persons too could not escape the wrath of the anti-Sterlite protesters, who brutally attacked four lens men.
Spotting Rajesh, photographer of 'The Hindu', on the terrace of a building close to the collector's office taking pictures of the mob indulging in violence and arson, a crowd pulled him down and beat him up badly. They abused him saying he was taking pictures for supplying evidence to the police and damaged his camera, eyewitnesses said, adding that Rajesh has been admitted in the government general hospital with bruises all over.
Another mob attacked Tamil Daily 'Dinakaran' photographer Felix, who sustained head injury and was also admitted in GH. 'Jaya TV' reporter Selvaraj and Cameraperson, Manikkam too were beaten up and chased away by the angry mob.
Eyewitnesses said the mob also set fire to the Pulsar bike of journalist Shanmugavel parked under the bypass bridge on the national highway. "I tried lodging a complaint at the Sipcot police station but was sent away saying come tomorrow because we are busy today", he said.
The angry protesters also damaged the bikes of three other journalists, even choosing the vehicles with 'Press' stickers to vent their fury. The marchers also stoned the Toothukudi Press Club near the south police station. News18 cameraman Murali Ganesh was lucky to escape by locking up the doors from inside.
