Scribes allege manhandling by Kozhikode Police

A police team also took into custody an outdoor broadcasting van of Asianet News and moved it to Kozhikode Town police station.

P.M. Vimod, sub-inspector of the Kozhikode Town police station argues with a journalist on the premises of the Kozhikode District Court on Saturday.

Some newsmen were allegedly manhandled and locked up inside a police station in Kozhikode on Friday by a police officer, who was later suspended, pending an inquiry.

Many journalists took out marches in the State capital, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kannur and New Delhi against the continued attack on the media, and demanded action against the Town police sub-inspector P.M. Vimod Kumar.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is away in New Delhi, said in a statement that the media have the freedom to enter courts to cover proceedings and the police cannot prevent them from doing so. Since it is a matter relating to courts, government has certain limitations, he said.

Courts need to introspect on whether in a democratic country, preventing the media from entering courts was right, Mr. Vijayan said.

The police action was being viewed “very seriously” he said, adding the State Police Chief had been asked to inquire and report to him on the matter. Strong action will be taken after getting the report, he said.