Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jun 4: Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists' Association (DKWJA) on Saturday June 4 staged a protest in front of the clock tower here condemning Uppinangady police for registering an FIR against three journalists.

Addressing the gathering, DKWJA president Shrinivas Indaje said, "The incident has been brought to the notice of Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner and superintendent of police. Both have assured to take action against those who waylaid the reporters by snatching cameras and attacking them. But unfortunately, an FIR has been registered against the journalists. DKWJA severely condemns this."

He also demanded the police department to immediately file a 'B' report to the court. "Proper action should be taken against the sub-inspector of Uppinangady police station for registering an FIR. The issue will be brought to the notice of the chief minister, home minister and district in-charge minister."

Journalist Jaganatha Bala said, “We severely condemn this incident. The issue has been already discussed with the state journalists’ association and it will be brought to the notice of the chief minister and home minister."

Journalist P B Harish Rai slammed Uppinangady police sub-inspector for registering an FIR against journalists and the police for leaking the FIR copy on social media and said, “Dakshina Kannada journalists always cooperated with political representatives. The district-in-charge minister should act against the police for leaking the FIR copy on social media and expose the conspiracy behind this.”

He also demanded the political representatives to transfer the police sub-inspector of the station within three days. “The media persons went to take the byte of the principal over the Hijab row. But, they were waylaid and attacked. Unfortunately, an FIR has been registered against them. The Higher Education minister should also think if such a principal is really required for that college. We know journalist Ajith from several years. But, today a false charge has been registered against him,” he said.

Journalist Viya Kotian in his keynote address condemned the police for booking the journalists.

Journalist and general secretary of DKWJA Jithendra Kundeshwar read the memorandum.

The journalists marched to the premises of the SP office. SP Rishikesh Sonawane who arrived at the premises, received the memorandum.