Terming the injuries caused to mediapersons during the ongoing clashes between the police and supporters of controversial godman Sant Rampal as 'sad', Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the press is the fourth pillar of democracy.
"It is very sad that media persons got injured. I will be able to say more on this only after the matter is fully investigated. The press is the fourth pillar of our democracy," Singh told media here.
When asked about the police not being able to arrest Rampal despite court orders, Singh downplayed the issue and said that he will comment on the matter only after he gets complete report regarding the issue
"I cannot say anything more on this till I get complete report of the investigation," he stated.
Earlier in the day, supporters of Rampal used firearms to keep the police at bay from rresting the godman. The police, while attempting to storm the fortified ashram of Rampal, used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons to disperse his supporters, who allegedly fired
back leaving several people, including some media persons injured.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier in the day issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Rampal for contempt of court. His supporters fortified his mission campus in Chandigarh, demanding his release.
Rampal faces contempt of court for skipping judicial proceedings before a Sessions Court in Haryana's Hisar district on November 5, citing medical reasons.
Rampal has been charged with murder, attempt to murder and other charges under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2006 after his followers attacked villagers.
