Panaji, April 27 (IANS): A journalists' organisation in Goa on Monday demanded a magisterial inquiry after three press photographers and seven policemen were injured in an assault allegedly led by organisers of an illegal bullfight.
Two people were arrested in connection with the assault that took place over the weekend near Margao.
A former councillor has been booked by police for the assault, but most of the bullfight organisers and scores of fans of the illegal sport, who attacked the raiding policemen and mediamen, have not been arrested yet.
"The incident needs serious investigation. We demand a magisterial inquiry into the assault, which has left three journalists injured and, in some cases, their camera equipment has been damaged," Goa Union of Journalists president Kishor Naik Gaonkar told IANS.
On Saturday, a police raid on the illegally organised bullfight in Dovondem village, 35 km south of Panaji, led to a mob attack and stone-pelting on the raiding personnel and press photographers, who had rushed to the site.
Among the mediamen injured were Ramnath Pai, Ramesh Naik and Sagun Gawade.
A still camera was also smashed by the mob, who were enraged after the police raid disrupted the bullfight.
"We have filed a complaint against those involved in the incident and investigation is on," inspector in-charge of Margao police station Sudesh Naik said.
Bullfighting, a battle between two mature bulls, was popular in Goa until it was banned by the Bombay High Court nearly two decades back.