The attack left reporter Ajeet Shekhawat and cameraperson Dharmendra Kumar badly injured. Their camera was also snatched and set on fire by the mob.
Team Clarion
TONK, RAJASTHAN — In a concerning incident highlighting the dangers faced by media professionals, a reporter and cameraman from the Press Trust of India (PTI) were allegedly assaulted by a mob on Wednesday while covering a protest following the arrest of Independent MLA candidate Naresh Meena in Tonk district of Rajasthan.
A PTI reporter and video cameraperson were beaten up and injured by a mob during a violent rampage in Tonk district of Rajasthan on Thursday while they were covering the event.
The attack left reporter Ajeet Shekhawat and cameraperson Dharmendra Kumar badly injured. Their camera was also snatched and set on fire by the mob, PTI reported. Both individuals were escorted to safety by local authorities who arrived at the scene after being alerted by bystanders.
In a selfie video sent by Shekhawat to the head office in Delhi, he could be seen bleeding from under his bloodshot left eye.
Shekhawat told his editors that his colleague Dharmendra suffered a gash on the head and his arm may be broken. Both were rushed to a hospital in a colleague’s vehicle, according to the report.
The two came under attack when they were about to interview Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, who had gone to the troubled spot to assess the situation.
After the incident, the Chief Minister’s Office instructed senior police officers to provide security cover to the injured PTI team. The CMO also instructed the chief medical and health officer (CMHO), Sawai Madhopur to ensure proper treatment for them.
After initial treatment at a private hospital in Sawai Madhopur, both the injured were referred to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur where doctors have kept them under observation for a day. All necessary medical examinations were conducted by the trauma centre team.
The Tonk police have registered a case against unidentified individuals under charges of assault and damage to property. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation and stated that the culprits will face legal action.
“Journalists are the voice of the public and must be protected to ensure the free flow of information. Such incidents are a direct attack on press freedom,” said a senior police official from Tonk.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, Minister of State (Home) Jawahar Singh Bedham and the CM’s media advisors Anand Sharma and Hiren Joshi visited the hospital to enquire about their well-being.
The ministers said that those who took the law into their hands will be identified and dealt with strictly under the law. Both the ministers condemned the attack.
The PTI team has, however, expressed gratitude to the local police for their timely intervention but stressed the need for better awareness among the public regarding the role of the media.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot also condemned the assault on X and demanded strict action.
The violence has been going on since Wednesday evening when police tried to stop the supporters of Naresh Meena, a Congress rebel contesting as an Independent in the bypolls, from sitting on dharna.
On Wednesday, Naresh Meena slapped SDM Malpura Amit Chaudhary who was on election duty in full view of camera crews.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from journalist associations and rights organisations across the country.
The Press Club of India issued a statement, saying, “Violence against journalists is unacceptable. We demand immediate action against the perpetrators to ensure the safety and dignity of those in the media profession.”
This attack comes amid growing concerns over the safety of journalists in India, with increasing instances of threats and violence reported in recent years. (With inputs from PTI)
