Tamil Nadu crisis: Journalists protest after being manhandled by 'goons'

Journalists covering the visit of AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala's visit to a resort near here, where her party MLAs are put up, on Sunday staged a protest after some of them were allegedly manhandled by some persons.

Journalists present at the site alleged that while they have already been denied entry to the resort, some persons allegedly manhandled a few of their colleagues and snatched their mobile phones.

They shouted slogans against the presence of alleged 'goons' and wanted to be allowed to discharge their duty of covering the proceedings. They also alleged the police personnel present there of inaction.

Later, the journalists withdrew their protest after their mobile phones were returned. 

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam assured that he would initiate legal action against the "goons" who allegedly manhandled the journalists at Koovathur.

"I will take legal action against those involved," he said when reporters sought his intervention in the issue.

Condemning the alleged incident, DMK Working President M K Stalin called for suitable action against those who led the attack on the media.

"Despite the DGP reviewing the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, questions arise as to why no action was taken against the attackers," he said in a party statement here.