A DMK secretary of Devakottai was arrested there today for allegedly assaulting a TV channel reporter who sought to question him for not settling two years' dues to the municipality by way of bidding for a toilet taken on auction there.
Superintendent of Police Durai told PTI that the DMK functionary Peri Bala had taken the toilet of the municipality on auction but had not paid the dues for the past two years, following which the Commissioner issued him a notice.
The reporter, who managed to got a copy of the notice, had gone to interview Peri Bala in this regard but seven or eight partymen assaulted him, inflicting serious injuries, the SP said.
"The reporter has been admitted to the government hospital at Devakottai. The DMK secretary of the town has been arrested and a criminal case filed against him," Durai said.
(REOPENS MES7)
Meanwhile, the management of 'News7' took up the matter with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, requesting her to order a probe into the matter.
R Bhagwan Singh, Managing Editor of the TV channel, wrote to Jayalalithaa about the incident and said Peri Bala and six others had assaulted the reporter "with iron rods and other deadly weapons, besides pushing him down and stamping on his chest."
The accused person also threatened to kill him, he alleged.
"Local witnesses and media friends have seen some DMK heavyweights in the police station, obviously trying to intimidate the police to go soft on Peri Bala. I request you to kindly order a probe into this gruesome attack so that justice is done," he said.
